KISS is the Kiss of Death to Good Game Design
The age-old saying "KISS" — Keep It Simple, Stupid — might work in some design fields, but when it comes to game design, it is often the kiss of death. The art of creating great games is not about making things as simple as possible. Rather, it’s about refining something inherently complex, like a game world full of systems, rules, and stories, and into something intuitive and joyful for the player. In fact, trying to follow the KISS philosophy will often lead to a game that’s not simple but simply dull.
The Necessity of Complexity
Good game design requires complexity. The kind of complexity that allows for rich experiences, meaningful decisions, and emergent gameplay. Think of it this way: simplicity can sometimes be a misleading goal. Simplified systems can easily become too sterile, where players are left with a shallow experience that lacks depth. In contrast, complexity — when done well — can feel completely natural and, surprisingly, more intuitive than a watered-down version of the same idea. Jesse Schell, a game designer and educator I have been lucky to meet and learn from, often points out that complexity in design doesn't mean confusion. It means creating a tapestry of experiences that fit together in a natural way, allowing players to explore without feeling lost.
Simplicity vs. Organic Complexity
Consider some of the most iconic games in the industry: Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy. They are anything but simple. Minecraft might seem like a game about building blocks, but underneath, it's a deeply complex game of resource management, exploration, creativity, and survival. World of Warcraft offers layers upon layers of progression, story, and interaction that form a living, breathing world. And Final Fantasy games? Their intricate character-building systems, complex narratives, and strategic combat illustrate that great games thrive on giving players lots to explore and learn.
Yet, despite all this complexity, these games feel approachable. The key lies not in dumbing down the systems, but in presenting them in a way that feels natural. It’s the job of a game designer to translate these complex systems into intuitive actions that feel good to the player. That is arguably the key to great design.
The Beauty of Complexity Broken Into Engaging Loops
Great game design is born from the union of complex systems with intuitive actions. Design that relies upon deeply understood principles and systems, or teaches those systems in approachable and organic ways. It’s about creating those beautiful, engaging loops — actions that are fun to perform again and again. Complexity doesn’t mean every choice should feel overwhelming; it means the depth is there for those who seek it. Imagine Minecraft without crafting recipes or resource hunting, or World of Warcraft without its different classes, quests, and raids — you'd be left with empty shells of experiences that lack staying power. The genius of these games lies in how they break down complexity into enjoyable, manageable loops that reward both casual players and those willing to dig deeper.
Emergent Fun is King
And then there’s emergent fun. The kind of moments that come not from rigid simplicity, but from players interacting with layered systems in surprising ways. It’s the thrill of a redstone contraption in Minecraft that unexpectedly works, or an epic raid victory in World of Warcraft that required multiple players coordinating with impeccable timing. It’s the countless surprising and delightful moments that aren’t scripted but emerge from the complexity of a well-designed game world. Games that reduce themselves to the lowest common denominator of simplicity often rob players of these experiences.
Ultimately, a great game never tries to "keep it simple". It’s one that finds the right balance — alchemy that transforms complexity into accessible and intuitive gold, design that respects players' intelligence, and that brings joy through layers of discovery and mastery. Because most of the time, the best experiences are born not from simple and stupid, but from embracing the beautiful dance of complex systems working in harmony.