The Power of Core Tension

How To Expertly Frustrate Your Players

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The best games are those that frustrate their players; this is a seemingly counterintuitive truth behind game design. But before you dismiss this idea, let's delve deeper into gaming and understand why this tension is necessary and the essence of great games.

The Essence of Tension in Games

Every game, from the classics like chess to modern board games like Carcassonne, revolves around a central goal. However, it's not the goal itself that makes the game engaging; it's the journey towards it. The obstacles, challenges, and decisions players must navigate to achieve their objectives are what makes a game truly memorable.

Take chess, for instance. The primary goal is straightforward: capture the opponent's king. Yet, the game would lose its charm if one could simply pick up the opponent's king without any strategy. The restrictions and rules in place are what makes the game challenging and, by extension, enjoyable.

Understanding F…