The Strategy Triangle

The presenter introduces the concept of the strategy triangle, a game design theory he has been developing. He explains that it's embodied in his new tabletop game, Spellstorm.

In any game, there are ways to play, which are categories for strategies like rushing, investing, or defending. A healthy game needs at least three ways to play (A, B, and C), where B counters A, and C counters B to prevent strategic stagnation. The presenter refers to the back and forth as 'the strategy dance.'

Good strategy games involve players dynamically switching between these strategic points (A, B, C). Switching strategies should have a cost, forcing players to weigh the decision of sticking with their current approach versus adapting to counter their opponent.

The Strategy Triangle helps visualize the strategic meaning of game elements. For asymmetric characters, you can position characters on the sides of the triangle, making them strong in two areas, to minimize counter-picking.

The presenter mentions his Kickstarter for Spellstorm, a tabletop strategy game embodying the triangle idea. In Spellstorm, the triangle is mapped to fire, earth, and water elements. Each wizard in the game is good at two of the three elements, creating asymmetrical powers and strategic depth.