Solution Uncertainty

Uncertainty in a game which stems from not being aware of an existent solution to a challenge.

This pattern is a still a stub.

Note: Uncertainty that comes from the possibility of players failing to perform an action or series of actions is covered by the pattern Performance Uncertainty.

Using the pattern

Can Be Instantiated By

Imperfect Information, Uncertainty of Information

Can Be Modulated By

AI Players, Strategic Knowledge

Strategic Knowledge can ruin games based on Solution Uncertainty if the solution can become apparent due to the knowledge players can bring over from other game instances.

Consequences

The most basic consequence of Solution Uncertainty is that it creates Uncertainty of Outcome in games. This often leads to Puzzle Solving or Tactical Planning, which in turn can make for Challenging Gameplay or lead to players suffering from Analysis Paralysis. A slightly more unintuitive effect of Solution Uncertainty is that is can lead to a player becoming the target of a Surprise Attacks due to an inability of foreseeing a potential attack.

While Solution Uncertainty does not automatically create No Direct Player Influence, it does provide a basis for making this type of gameplay in that it opens up for players considering how to manipulate a game state rather than simply manipulating it.

Relations

Can Instantiate

Analysis Paralysis, Challenging Gameplay, No Direct Player Influence, Puzzle Solving, Surprise Attacks, Tactical Planning, Uncertainty of Outcome

Can Modulate

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Can Be Instantiated By

Imperfect Information, Uncertainty of Information

Can Be Modulated By

AI Players, Strategic Knowledge

Possible Closure Effects

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Potentially Conflicting With

Strategic Knowledge

History

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

Acknowledgements

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