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I thought I made a hard game and then speedrunners destroyed it (imgur.com)

448 points by artsandsci · 2668 days ago · 167 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses how speedrunners were able to quickly complete a game that the developer thought was difficult. The comments reveal that the article likely explores the relationship between game design and player behavior. The discussion that follows focuses on the balance between memorization and improvisation in game design. The article's content is not directly available, but the comments provide insight into the topic.

Main themes

  • game design
  • speedrunning
  • memorization vs improvisation
  • player behavior
  • game development

What commenters say

  • Some games prioritize memorization and precise execution over improvisation and quick thinking, which can lead to a less engaging experience for certain players.
  • The rise of speedrunning has influenced game design, with some games being designed with speedrunning in mind, which can result in a focus on memorization and optimization.
  • Battle royale games, such as Fortnite, can provide opportunities for improvisation and quick thinking, making them a good example of games that balance memorization and reaction time.
  • The importance of improvisation and adaptability in games is highlighted by the fact that players who are too predictable and rely solely on memorization can be beaten by players who are less skilled but more unpredictable.
  • The line between skill and luck in games is often blurred, and players who can adapt and make decisions quickly can often outperform those who rely solely on memorization and practice.
  • Games that allow for user-generated content, such as custom levels, can provide a constant stream of new challenges and opportunities for improvisation, making them more engaging and dynamic.
  • The idea of giving players a 'bot layer' that handles routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision making, is proposed as a way to improve multiplayer games and make them more focused on human strengths.