Player Unpredictability

The limit on what will happen in future gameplay due to not knowing how other players will act.

This pattern is a still a stub.

Examples

Race for the Galaxy

Using the pattern

Can Be Instantiated By

Asymmetric Information, Betrayal, Bluffing, Imperfect Information, Negotiation, Secret Goals, Uncertainty of Information

Can Be Modulated By

No Direct Player Influence, Player/Character Skill Composites, Player/System Action Composites

Consequences

Player Unpredictability has many effects on gameplay. First, it causes an Uncertainty of Outcome of due to Limited Foresight or Limited Planning Ability, or causes these two patterns through the uncertainty. Second, it typically leads to Stimulated Planning and Cognitive Engrossment as players need to engage in judgments on the possible Risk/Reward situations they are aware of. Third, is can lead of Analysis Paralysis due to the difficulties that can arise from trying to do this planning. Finally, it can lead to Surprises.

Player Unpredictability can make Cooperation more difficult since players cannot as easily assume what other players will be doing.

Can Instantiate

Multiplayer Games,

Relations

Can Instantiate

Cognitive Engrossment, Limited Foresight, Limited Planning Ability, Multiplayer Games, Risk/Reward, Stimulated Planning, Surprises, Uncertainty of Outcome

Can Modulate

Analysis Paralysis, Cooperation

Can Be Instantiated By

Asymmetric Information, Betrayal, Bluffing, Imperfect Information, Negotiation, Secret Goals, Uncertainty of Information

Can Be Modulated By

No Direct Player Influence, Player/Character Skill Composites, Player/System Action Composites

Possible Closure Effects

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Potentially Conflicting With

Dominant Strategy, Predictable Winner, Strategic Knowledge

History

New pattern created in this wiki. However, the pattern is based on the concept of player unpredictability described in Costikyan's book Uncertainty in Games.

Acknowledgements

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