Defending Mathfinder - Part One: The Benefits of Mechanical Complexity in TTRPGs
35Hello Travelers & Tourists!
Welcome to a trip down an ever-expanding philosophical rabbit hole where I explore the foundational "reasons" behind some of the hotly debated aspects of Pathfinder 2e's game design. Many people love Pathfinder's design, while others decry its unnecessary complexity.
In this video, I strive not to ask, "what system is better," but instead, to start exploring the question: What can we learn from complex games (like Pathfinder 2e)?
I'm honestly not sure how many segments this series will have (though I am already working on Part Two), and I am genuinely curious to hear the thoughts of other people in the TTRPG community on this topic?
Why would a publisher choose to use complex mechanics instead of simple ones?
What advantages do such mechanics offer in game design or actual play?
How can complex design choices improve a particular game?
Here are some time stamps to help you navigate the video:
00:00 - Teaser
00:34 - Title Screen
01:17 - Introduction
06:24 - Some Caveats to this Conversation
08:54 - Clarity, Easy Calls, & Speed of Play
10:41 - Narrative Depth through Meaningful Mechanics
13:10 - Narrative Creativity through Unique Rules
15:57 - Maintaining Game Balance
19:08 - Supporting Long-Term Stories & Campaigns
21:29 - Both Sides of the GM Screen
22:39 - Closing Thoughts
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Thank you so much for being here & being a part of the conversation!
Have a wonderful day!
Mark - Local Disaster Tour Guide
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