Complexity Quote by Kurt Squire
“Players enjoy complexity – especially the power that comes with powerful tools. What they do not like is “uninteresting decisions,” or games that leave them confused or with too many “easy” decisions – decisions where there is no learning to be had.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Game Design Insights, Kurt Squire, 2018
Players seek meaningful choices; they enjoy complexity that offers learning, not trivial or confusing decisions.
In simple terms: Complex tools are good if they teach.
Key Takeaway
Design for learning through choice.
Themes
game design
player engagement
decision theory
Mood
thoughtful
engaged
Type
design
philosophical
When to use this quote
- board game creation
- video game level design
- educational software
Key Concepts
meaningful choice
learning curves
tool mastery
Questions to Reflect On
- What decision will teach players?
- How to balance depth and clarity?
A Different Perspective
Too much complexity can overwhelm; too little bores.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
