Magic's Complexity Problem

Summary

The video delves into the concept of 'complexity creep' in card games, particularly Magic: The Gathering. It contrasts the evolution of game design, where older cards were simpler and more straightforward, while newer cards are becoming increasingly complex with multiple abilities and wordy text. The video explores how this trend affects gameplay, from decision fatigue to challenges for newer players, and suggests potential solutions, such as ephemeral cards or modal effects. The creator invites viewers to engage in discussions on improving card design, with a focus on retaining depth without overwhelming complexity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Complexity creep refers to the increasing complexity of Magic: The Gathering cards over time, making them harder to understand and play.
• 😀 Complexity creep doesn't invalidate older cards but increases the mental strain on players, particularly new ones, making the game more difficult to grasp.
• 😀 Unlike power creep, which makes older cards obsolete by making new cards more powerful, complexity creep complicates gameplay without necessarily making older cards worse.
• 😀 Complicated cards with multiple abilities require more mental energy to analyze, which increases game time and the chances for mistakes.
• 😀 Cards with many abilities can overwhelm new players, increasing the difficulty of understanding and playing the game.
• 😀 Decision fatigue can result from the mental load of complex cards, leading to more mistakes and misplays during gameplay.
• 😀 The average word count on Magic cards has increased over time, making them harder to read and process, contributing to complexity creep.
• 😀 Ability count is a key factor in complexity; cards with multiple abilities are more challenging to keep track of than those with a single ability.
• 😀 Double-faced cards add to complexity by increasing the amount of text and mechanics to remember, especially when abilities are on the back face.
• 😀 Keywords help reduce word count on cards but can increase the mental load as players need to remember what these keywords imply, adding to complexity.
• 😀 Solutions to complexity creep include using instance and sorcery cards that provide temporary effects, modal cards that limit decision-making complexity, and symmetry in card effects to make them easier to digest.

Q & A

What is complexity creep in Magic: The Gathering?

Complexity creep refers to the phenomenon where cards in Magic: The Gathering become more complicated over time. As cards are designed with more intricate abilities and interactions, they require more mental effort to understand and play, making the game more complex, especially for new players.

How does complexity creep differ from power creep?

Power creep involves the gradual increase in the strength of cards, making older cards less competitive. Complexity creep, on the other hand, involves an increase in the complexity of card mechanics, leading to more complicated gameplay, but not necessarily making older cards obsolete.

Why is complexity creep a concern for Magic players?

Complexity creep can lead to slower gameplay, more mistakes, and higher mental fatigue for players. It may also create a barrier to entry for new players, who might find the game overwhelming due to the increasing intricacy of cards and mechanics.

How does the word count on cards correlate with complexity creep?

As cards have evolved, the word count on cards has generally increased. This rise in wordiness is a key indicator of complexity creep, with newer cards often containing more text to describe their multiple abilities, which adds to the cognitive load for players.

What role do abilities play in increasing card complexity?

Cards with multiple abilities require players to track different triggers, resolutions, and interactions. The more abilities a card has, the more complex it becomes to manage, leading to a higher chance of mistakes during gameplay.

How does the use of double-faced cards contribute to complexity?

Double-faced cards increase complexity because they have more abilities, and players must remember what both sides of the card do. It also adds confusion for opponents, who may need to ask to flip the card over and read the backside, adding to the mental load during gameplay.

What is the impact of complexity creep on new players?

New players may struggle to keep up with the increasing complexity of cards, leading to frustration and difficulty understanding advanced mechanics. Cards like planeswalkers and complex effects, such as emblems, can be overwhelming for those just starting with Magic.

How does decision fatigue relate to complexity creep?

As players face more complex decisions during a game, they experience mental fatigue, making them more prone to errors and poor decision-making as the game progresses. Complex cards, with many triggers and interactions, increase the burden on players' decision-making processes.

What are some potential solutions to mitigate the effects of complexity creep?

Solutions include using instance and sorcery cards, which provide temporary effects and do not add long-term complexity, and modal cards, which allow players to make decisions at the time of casting, reducing the need to track ongoing effects. Symmetry in abilities can also help by grouping similar effects together, making them easier to remember.

How do non-basic lands and non-standard tokens contribute to complexity?

Non-basic lands and tokens with abilities add complexity to the game because they introduce additional effects that need to be tracked and remembered during gameplay. This can slow the game down and make it harder to manage the board state.