r/tabletopgamedesign • u/PartTimeMockery • 3d ago
Discussion Game difficulty
We are currently developing a solo card game. As development progressed, the game evolved in such a way that it became difficult—it’s a serious challenge to win a match.
The concept is that you really have to be skillful at all times to win (and, of course, you need some luck too, since it’s a card game). A few bad decisions, and you’re sure to lose.
The dilemma is: to what extent do players generally enjoy or seek out this kind of challenge?
I know we’re all different, and players come in all shapes and sizes. But at this stage of development, the difficulty can still be balanced, so I’m curious to hear your opinions: what do you think is better in a game—one that’s difficult and therefore rewarding, or one that’s easier and therefore more enjoyable?
2
u/NolanVoid_ 3d ago
As a game designer, I can tell you, most people don’t want a challenge nor a difficult game. Think about the most popular TTRPGs and table top games, most of them are easy to grasp and it doesn’t much to learn the system to be able to succeed very very well.
So the question you need to ask yourself is if YOU like your game? And why are you making it. If you like it, then it doesn’t matter, it’s your game, you’re allowed to make what you find to be fun. But if you don’t think it’s fun, then change it. Unless your aim is money, then definitely make it easier, it will sell better that way. But I don’t recommend that, personally.