Episode 111 – Emergent Properties in Games

What are emergent properties in games? Can developers intentionally design games with emergent properties? Or must they develop through accident, discovered later by players? And why do players feel so rewarded by this discovery? We attempt to answer these questions and more, exploring the emergent properties of games ranging from Grand Theft Auto to Dwarf Fortress. Plus, Metroid: Samus Returns, Heat Signature, Sidereal Confluence, and NBA 2K18.

If you want to comment on this episode, ask a question, share some info, voice an opinion, or request a topic, send an email to inbox@backward-compatible.com, and we may feature you on a future episode of the podcast.

Subscribe to the Backward-Compatible.com Podcast on iTunes.

You may also enjoy “Role With It,” the show where the Backward Compatible crew and their guests tell improvised stories through roleplaying games. Check it out on SoundCloud (@role-with-it) or subscribe on iTunes.