Always Quote by Cory Barlog
“Puzzles are always a difficult thing, I don't think I've played any games where the puzzles are perfectly contextualised, unless the entire game is a puzzle game built upon that concept.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Game Development Talk, 2022
Puzzles often lack integration with game worlds, feeling separate unless the whole game is built around them.
In simple terms: Puzzles need to fit naturally in games.
Design puzzles that serve the story.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- adventure games
- open world titles
- educational games
- escape rooms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a puzzle reinforce narrative?
- What makes a puzzle feel “in‑world”?
Some games succeed with isolated puzzles, showing integration isn’t always required.