Roguelike Radio Episode 133: How to Make a Traditional 7DRL
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Feb 27, 2017 Join Jeff Lait, a seasoned 7-Day Roguelike developer, as he shares his wealth of experience in designing traditional roguelikes. He delves into the significance of 'roguelikeness' scores and debates whether developers should conform to community expectations or innovate freely. The conversation highlights the trade-offs between art and mechanics, the importance of player learning through challenge, and clever design tips like using traditional tropes with a twist. Jeff also emphasizes the role of permadeath and immersive gameplay to engage players effectively.
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Roguelikeness As A Community Definition
- Roguelikeness is a fuzzy, community-driven category that helps define the genre by comparison.
- Repeatedly judging 7DRLs reveals patterns that clarify what players call "roguelike."
Design For Your Audience
- If you want community approval, design with your audience in mind and balance innovation with familiar tropes.
- Use category scores so players can judge innovation separately from roguelikeness.
Innovation Versus Tradition
- Innovation and traditional roguelikeness often pull in opposite directions in seven-day jams.
- Achieving both high innovation and high roguelikeness is unusually difficult in short scope.
