Someone else's lightly-structured thoughts (Criticism)

by EffortlessFury , Monday, July 25, 2022, 11:35 (880 days ago) @ Cody Miller

This is why the "abusive" relationship you describe is basically required for social games. The exception I guess would be something like Second Life, where players create things and there's no narrative or game "goal".

Despite "emergent gameplay" having its pros and cons, it can also be a non-"abusive" way of providing such a platform. Minecraft is a good example. I've never been able to get into it because it's not fun for me solo but for me the allure would be contributing to a larger goal. Having a persistent server with people I know would support that social aspect while allowing us to do whatever it was that struck our fancy.

What's a con of "emergent gameplay"?

Emergent gameplay, being the experiences that fill in the empty space designed around them, aren't as meticulously craftable. I'd argue that emergent gameplay experiences can't reach the same quality ceiling as directly crafted gameplay. That said, the floor is bottomless for both, so there's nothing wrong with emergent gameplay.