The Game Dev Over-Design Trap
The Game Dev Over-Design Trap
The Game Dev Over-Design Trap
Josh Bycer
January, 15, 2025
Summary
The author reflects on the pitfalls of over-design in indie game development, particularly among new developers striving for originality. They identify two main traps: unnecessary genre-blending that leads to unfocused experiences, and excessive gameplay complexity that adds little real value. Drawing examples from titles like Keylocker and Ikenfell, they emphasize that true depth in game design comes from meaningful, intuitive mechanics—not just layering systems. Good design focuses on clarity, simplicity, and player understanding. Successful games balance innovation with playability, relying on playtesting and a clear design vision to avoid overwhelming players or diluting core gameplay goals.
Reference
Bycer, J. (2025, January 15). The game dev over-design trap. Superjump. https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/the-game-dev-over-design-trap/