======================================================================== CORE DESIGN PRINCIPLES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Do as much in node-space in the world as possible. - Minimize use of off-grid entities. - Avoid encapsulating things in inventories, machines, GUIs. - Crafting and transforming in-world. - Minimal set of primitive composable functions. - Each node should do one job (or one part of a job). - Only include the most primitive, fungible components. - Avoid redundant functionality, include fewest possible different elements. - Complex emergent gameplay by combining simple nodes. - Challenging and constrained gameplay. - Limited inventories, very restricted item storage, e.g. one stack per node. - Large, complex machines to design and build for resource transformations. - Subtle environmental hazards, like deadfalls and pestilence. - Rich, subtle interactions. - Digging, placing, punching and battering. - Different effects from different tools (including empty hand). - Different faces of node may have different effects. - Focus on puzzle-oriented single-player/cooperative gameplay. - Avoid dependence on action, combat, PvP. - Slow-moving hazards, players have a chance to think and plan. - Acessible for slow reflexes, slow networks, mobile devices. ........................................................................ ========================================================================