Practical Game Design

Depth and complexity

We already talked about quality over quantity, but this is so important that it is going to take its own space.

Are deep systems also complex?

If we think about the simplest system of all, we could say that it is formed by just one basic core mechanic. We also said that depth emerges through the interaction of two or more mechanics. But more mechanics, by definition, make games more complex.

It appears that depth and complexity are, in fact, related, but here is the thing: our job as game designers is to achieve the maximum amount of depth with the minimum amount of complexity.

A very complex game is likely to offer great depth, and that's why we refer to these games as hardcore games. But hardcore games are difficult ...