About Soren Johnson
Soren Johnson is a legend in the gaming industry. He was one of the designers on Civilization III and the lead designer for Civilization IV at Firaxis Games. He co-founded his own company called Mohawk Games. As the studio’s founder and lead designer, he aimed to create strategy games emphasizing player agency, complexity, and meaningful decision-making. We discuss 4x game design, player interaction, and how modding affects the digital gaming world. The two of us had so much fun discussing games that the episode needed to be broken into two parts. So, enjoy part one of Think Like A Game Designer with Soren Johnson.
Show Notes:
Soren Johnson on the Evolution of 4X Strategy Games (07:45.21 - 09:32.14):
“The problem is that there's this kind of inherent issue with a game that goes on for 500 turns, right?”
In this segment, Soren Johnson talks about the evolution of 4X strategy games. He shares his experiences in taking Civilization IV in a new direction, emphasizing innovation and accessibility. This shift led to groundbreaking features like religion and the use of 3D graphics, making the game more relatable and engaging for players.
The Intriguing Role of Religion in Civilization IV (10:12.45 - 12:25.12):
"Religion really deepened the diplomacy and culture of the game. It added a lot of depth and meaning to the game that players could relate to."
Soren Johnson delves into the fascinating addition of religion in Civilization IV. He explains how religion added depth to diplomacy and culture, making the game more relatable to players. The discussion highlights the importance of incorporating relatable elements into game mechanics to enhance the player's experience.
The Transition to 3D Graphics (13:05.21 - 15:17.09):
"3D opened up new possibilities for the game. It allowed us to do a lot of things that we couldn't do in 2D, both visually and in terms of gameplay."
Soren Johnson shares insights into the decision to transition to 3D graphics in Civilization IV. He discusses how the move to 3D not only improved the game's visual appeal but also created new gameplay possibilities. This segment emphasizes the significance of embracing technological advancements to enhance a game's overall experience.
Innovations in Game Design (15:55.76 - 18:09.28):
"The most important thing in game design is to be willing to take risks and try new things. It's about finding the right balance between tradition and innovation."
Soren Johnson talks about the importance of innovation in game design. He highlights the value of experimenting with new ideas and mechanics to keep the gaming experience fresh and exciting. Johnson emphasizes that successful game design involves a balance between tradition and innovation.
The Impact of Modding Communities (18:42.17 - 20:36.98):
"The modding community was crucial to the success of Civilization IV. They extended the game's life and created a lot of new content and experiences for players."
In this segment, Soren Johnson discusses the significant role of modding communities in the success of Civilization IV. He explains how these communities extended the game's lifespan by creating new content and experiences. Johnson highlights the importance of fostering a supportive community around a game.
Balancing Realism and Gameplay (21:18.45 - 23:03.81):
"Realism can enhance player engagement, but it's also important to strike the right balance and not let it impede gameplay."
Soren Johnson explores the delicate balance between realism and gameplay in game design. He shares examples of how realism, such as characters aging and getting sick in Old World, can enhance player engagement. However, he also acknowledges that realism can sometimes impede gameplay and the importance of striking the right balance.
The Challenge of Expansions (23:45.63 - 25:30.12):
"Expanding a game while maintaining its core experience is a challenging task. It requires a thoughtful approach to avoid overwhelming players with additional content."
Soren Johnson reflects on the challenges of creating expansions for games. He shares his perspective on expanding a game while maintaining its core experience. Johnson's insights highlight the need for a thoughtful approach to expanding games without overwhelming players with additional content.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Gaming (26:09.87 - 28:05.56):
"The future of gaming will continue to be shaped by technology and player expectations. It's important to adapt while staying true to your creative vision."
In this segment, Soren Johnson shares his thoughts on the future of gaming. He discusses how technology and player expectations continue to shape the industry. Johnson emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's creative vision while adapting to evolving trends in the gaming landscape.
Closing Thoughts on the Power of Games (28:45.21 - 30:15.04):
"Games have the power to bring people together and make the world a better place. Keep playing games and cherishing the connections they foster among players."
As the discussion concludes, Soren Johnson offers his heartfelt perspective on the power of games. He believes that games have the potential to bring people together and make the world a better place. Johnson encourages everyone to continue playing games and cherishing the connections they foster among players.
Soren Johnson (Part II) — Innovating 4X Strategy Games, Insights from Civilization IV, and Designing the Future of Gaming. (#50)