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.
Contents
Examples
Puzzles such as Jigsaw Puzzles, Solitaire, and Tangram all built upon Solution Uncertainty to provide gameplay for players without requiring other players to participate. Alchemists, Battleship, Cluedo, Mastermind, Mystery of the Abbey are examples of multiplayer games that build upon similar Solution Uncertainty.
Using the pattern
Solution Uncertainty is created by introducing Complex Gameplay, Imperfect Information, Uncertainty of Information, or a combination of these. 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. It can however also be a way of modifying Solution Uncertainty so that players may have an advantage in finding solutions if they have Strategic Knowledge.
The use of AI Players requires extra consideration when if comes to using Solution Uncertainty in a game since human players and AI Players most likely have very different cognitive abilities and what can be difficult for one category of players to find can be trivial for the other.
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
Complex Gameplay, Imperfect Information, Uncertainty of Information
Can Be Modulated By
AI Players, Strategic Knowledge
Possible Closure Effects
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Potentially Conflicting With
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[1].
References
Acknowledgements
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