Episode 4: Uncertainty Principles
In this episode we discuss the idea of uncertainty—also known as indeterminacy—in games. Can we crack open any kernels of known unknowns? We suggest listening to the episode from start to finish, and not in a random order, but we cannot control you. Nor would we want to! For you, dear listeners, provide us with yet another — and possibly the most important — element of... uncertainty.
Luke mentioned some probability distribution slides for RPGs. These are they! Read, and weep. (Weeping is not mandatory, though it is encouraged.)
This week is Gen Con! It's one of the biggest shows any of us attend, and we will be doing a live recording of this very podcast at that show! If you're in the area, come join us for some live hypothesizing!
Earlier this month, on the Ludological Alchemists substack, we released a special episode of The Hypothesis — recorded before the show even started, in fact! Luke has crafted / is crafting a new game, and Luke and Christopher dig into it on the air! Check it out.
Until next time, we challenge ourselves to analyze the uncertainty in our games and in our lives. What purpose do they hold? Do they improve or sully our interactions? Or are they the very purpose? We invite you to do the same.
The Hypothesis: Episode 4