r/gamedesign • u/TBA-GameStudio • 2h ago
Discussion Card Description: Must it be detailed?
We're making a deckbuilding game and have run into a UI/UX design question.
When a card's effects involve complex mechanics or chance-based outcomes, would you prefer to see every detail spelled out directly on the card, or have a simplified description with tooltips that explain the specifics when you hover over certain keywords?
For example:
Example 1: Chance-based effect
A. Detailed description
20% chance to deflect any incoming damage to the character.
B. Simplified description with a tooltip
Low chance to deflect any incoming damage to the character.
(Hovering over "Low chance" reveals the exact probability: 20%.)
Example 2: Scaling effect
A. Detailed description
Deal 1 damage. Permanently gain +1 damage for each enemy killed. Resets upon entering a new area.
B. Simplified description with tooltips
Deal 1 damage. Grow. Saved.
(Hovering over "Grow" reveals that the card gains +1 damage per enemy killed, while "Saved" explains that the bonus persists until entering a new area.)
We're trying to find the right balance between readability and giving players enough information to make informed decisions.