Nalpha: Gimmick versus Optimization

I have been working on a few games concurrently, and one of them is a genre-mash-up somewhere between a TCG and a tabletop RPG.  For the sake of discretion, let's give this project a codename: Nalpha.

So, I've been working on this project for a couple weeks, and there was a bit of a gimmicky hook to the play action; the cards were used in a physical way as a game element that cards usually aren't.  Yes, I know I'm being guarded with my description, but bear with me.  I wouldn't probably be talking openly about this game at all, if not for the developmental crossroads I find myself at.

More on Learning and Gaming

I think there is something intrinsically human in our need to learn.  This, of course, transcends academics and/or the assimilation of data.  But learning is one of the most gratifying experiences within the scope of humanity.  Learning can manifest in many ways, based on the objective.

One form of learning is mimicry.  This is a performance-oriented mode of learning.  On one end of the spectrum would be learning a fixed dance step.  On the other, perhaps would be conjugating Latin verbs.  One improves simply by doing what an authority does.

The Learning Curve

This week I had the privilege of demo-ing my card game with a friend of mine I only see occassionally.  After the game I thanked him for testing for me and his response was this: "No problem.  I think I make a good tester because I am a slow learner."

I thought his comment was at once endearing (there was no hint of false modesty in his face or voice) and instructive to me.  He had fun playing... not merely because the game ran well but because, by his estimation, he understood the game well by the second or third turn.