I threw a question at you lot in my last issue, hoping a few people might bite.
And in less than 48 hours... man, you guys delivered.
My 85th issue asked what edges ahead for you in games: theme/story or mechanics?
And the replies were fantastic.
Some were blunt. Some were balanced. Some came in swinging with percentages. Exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for…
So for this issue, I thought I’d hand the floor over to you.
Here are a few voices from the inbox and beyond, followed by a quick thought or two from me.
Prasanti on email:
I am a mechanics-only (not mechanics-first) gamer. I absolutely don't care about the theme. I am fine if the game is black n white and has great gameplay. In fact, I stopped reading thematic italic lines in games these days. I consider waste of time reading theme now.
That “mechanics-only” line still cracks me up. A bold stance, and honestly, kind of refreshing.
Also, thematic italic text may never recover from this…!
Parker on Instagram:
Interesting theme will make me pick up a game from the shelf and try it. But bad mechanics will make me put it back on the shelf forever.
Such a sharp way to frame it.
Theme opens the door. Mechanics decide whether you stay.
Dejan on email:
On my note, I am leaning towards 90% mechanics vs 10% theme xD
Mechanics takes the lead again.
Gosh, am I the only one with a soft spot for theme? :')
Robinm via Mastodon:
For me the theme is the hook, the mechanics the game itself (with exceptions were it's 100% either theme or mechanism). That's why I find it easier to first think of what kind of gameplay you want, then design mechanisms to match it, and only in the end add the theme. Of course there are feedback loops. Good mechanism ideas may change which game sensations we want to give to our players, and immersive theme may give new or refined gameplay mechanisms.
A really thoughtful take.
I especially liked the idea of feedback loops. Great games often feel like both sides improving each other.
George at Bluesky:
Box art wins the sale (theme/art). Brilliant how-to-play instructions and punchy gameplay earn you a player and a return customer. Deep / rich lore (I think) is a gift you give to your most dedicated fans.
This one gets the whole ladder right.
A smart reminder that selling a game and keeping a player are two very different jobs.
Millie on email:
For me it is close to 50/50, but story definitely matters a lot. Sometimes it even trumps mechanics. Not always, but it matters to me.
Now that's more like it! Haha.
Reading these replies reminded me why I love doing this newsletter.
Different tastes. Different priorities. Different ways to enjoy the same hobby.
And somehow, all of you ended up in this same little corner of the internet with me.
That’s special.
Truly grateful to have such a wide range of minds subscribed here.
- Tas.
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