Summary
Highlights
Game genres are often inadequate for describing what a game truly tests. A new, simpler approach is needed to differentiate games based on the skills required to excel, such as pure skill, information, or mental adaptability.
The video introduces three core concepts: Micro (execution, aim, reflexes), Meso (probability, mind games, reading opponents), and Macro (systems, resource management, optimal strategies). The key to understanding a game's core challenge is to consider what kind of cheat would completely break it.
Micro focuses on physical execution, like aim, timing, and muscle memory. A perfect micro cheat would be an aimbot, giving perfect inputs. Games like Osu, Geometry Dash, and Tetris are primarily micro-based, where perfect execution trivializes the challenge.
Meso involves mind games, reading opponents, and managing unpredictable elements. A meso cheat would involve knowing information you shouldn't, like stream sniping in Among Us or insider trading in stocks. Rock, Paper, Scissors and Liar's Dice are pure meso games.
Macro is about strategy, resource management, and finding the mathematically optimal way to win. A macro cheat would be a chess engine or a perfect coach. Games like Factorio, Poly Bridge, Connect Four, and Tic-Tac-Toe are purely macro, becoming 'solved' once the optimal solution is found.
This combination often defines single-player precision games where players need to execute optimal solutions quickly. Examples include speedrunning Rubik's Cube, Mario 64, Jump King, and Elden Ring (perfect dodges + optimal build).
This category includes PvP skill-expression games like fighting games (Street Fighter, Tekken, Smash Bros), where both individual skill and reading opponents are crucial. Other examples include Mario Kart (driving micro + unpredictable items meso) and Tetris 99 (Tetris micro + opponent targeting meso).
These are 'mind and math games,' such as Hearthstone, TFT, Pokémon VGC, and Battleship. Chess, while theoretically macro, has a significant meso component at the human level due to reading opponents. Balatro and Phasmophobia are also discussed as meso-macro games.
The largest competitive games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, Valorant, and Overwatch, require a balance of all three dimensions. The 'cheat test' reveals the relative importance of each dimension within these complex games.
Counter-Strike is highly micro and meso dominant, with macro being less significant. Overwatch's balance varies by role: DPS is micro-heavy, Tank is meso-heavy, and Support is macro-heavy. Apex Legends demonstrates a remarkable balance across all three. Rocket League is heavily micro-dominant, with macro as a secondary factor and meso being the least impactful.
This framework not only classifies games but also helps players understand their own preferences and strengths. Players tend to gravitate towards games that emphasize their natural inclinations (micro, meso, or macro). Recognizing which dimensions cause frustration or reward can deepen a player's understanding of their gaming habits.