The strategic pivot: integrating uncertainty into the game design process

In the realm of functional design, predictability is often viewed as the ultimate benchmark of quality. As Costikyan (2013, p. 16) argues, in real-life situations—such as shopping online, electing a congressman, or utilizing software for work—we demand a lack of ambiguity, noting that "we prefer simplicity, surety, and consistency." In these contexts, uncertainty is a defect to be mitigated, as users prioritize efficiency and the seamless achievement of specific goals. However, the architecture of game design operates on a fundamentally different logic, where the elimination of the unknown would result in a sterile and unengaging experience.

While we strive to minimize unpredictability in quotidian services, within the ludic context, "a degree of uncertainty is essential" (COSTIKYAN, 2013, p. 16). This element serves as the primary catalyst for player immersion and entertainment, transforming a static system into a dynamic challenge. By strategically withholding information or complicating the path to victory, designers create a "possibility space" that compels players to remain cognitively engaged. Without this tension between the player's intent and the outcome's volatility, the experience loses its competitive and emotional resonance.



The implementation of this uncertainty is not monolithic but is derived from various structural layers. Costikyan (2013) analyzes different kinds of games and explains that sometimes uncertainty comes from programmed random results, such as dice rolls or procedural generation; other times, uncertainty lies within opponents and how they perform, particularly in multiplayer environments. Ultimately, uncertainty may result from the player's own abilities in the game, where the execution of a maneuver or the solution to a puzzle remains in doubt until the moment of fruition.

Therefore, the game design process must be viewed as the calibrated management of these various "sources of doubt". A successful designer does not merely create a set of rules, but rather orchestrates a sophisticated balance between agency and chance. By understanding that uncertainty is not a flaw to be corrected, but a strategic tool to be leveraged, developers can craft experiences that transcend simple utility, providing the meaningful struggle that defines the very essence of play.

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Reference:
COSTIKYAN, Greg. Uncertainty in games. Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2013.

My most played mechanics of 2025: why trick-taking and climbing stole the show

In 2025, my journey through the world of tabletop gaming was defined by a deep dive into two specific mechanics: trick-taking and climbing. Looking back at the hundreds of hands played, these genres provided the most tension, strategy, and pure excitement at my table. There is an undeniable elegance in how these games use a simple deck of cards to create complex social dynamics and tactical puzzles, making them my most-played styles of the year.



My fascination with trick-taking reached new heights through titles that pushed the boundaries of the traditional formula. Sáng Dèn stood out for its incredible atmosphere and the way it forced me to rethink how I managed my hand, while Salty provided a sharper, more competitive edge that kept my gaming group coming back for "just one more round." Perhaps the most experimental highlight was Match-fixer’s High, a game that brilliantly subverted the goal of winning tricks, turning every lead into a psychological battle of manipulation and calculated risks. These games proved that even within a centuries-old mechanic, there is still so much room for innovation.

On the other side of the coin, climbing and shedding games offered a completely different kind of rush. The feeling of jumping over an opponent's play with a stronger combination is unmatched, and Odin was undoubtedly the king of this experience for me in 2025. Its clever system of incorporating played cards back into your hand transformed the math of the game into a fluid, evolving strategy. I also found myself captivated by the high-stakes combinations in Haggis (excellent for two players, by the way), which remains a masterclass in card play, and the chaotic, inventive energy of Inchiki Daifugo. Whether I was trying to master a lead in a trick-taking game or aiming to be the first to empty my hand in a climbing match, these titles defined my year in gaming and solidified these mechanics as my absolute favorites.

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