Why the Best Video Game Magic Systems Play by Brandon Sanderson's Rules
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Exploring how video games successfully apply Brandon Sanderson's rules of hard magic, turning strict rules and predictable systems into satisfying gameplay mechanics.
Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson famously argues that an audience must understand the rules of a magic system before it can be used to solve major conflicts. While books can sometimes gloss over the exact mechanics, interactive media demands complete consistency. Players need to learn repeatable inputs and predictable outputs to truly master a game, transforming abstract spellcasting into a reliable gameplay loop.
Titles like Arkane's Dishonored and Remedy's Control prove this philosophy translates seamlessly to interactive spaces by anchoring supernatural abilities to clear limitations, resources, and environmental consequences. In Dishonored, every supernatural strike feeds a visible chaos meter that directly alters the world, while Control ties Jesse Faden's telekinesis to strict energy management and cooldowns. These design choices force players to master boundaries rather than just spamming overpowered attacks.
Other studios lean even further into systemic chemistry, treating spells and physics like interlocking puzzle pieces. Larian's Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Arrowhead's Magicka rely on fixed elemental interactions where fire spreads, water conducts, and friendly fire always hurts. When every mechanic follows strict, unchanging laws, the ultimate satisfaction comes from predicting the outcome of your choices before you even press the button.
Tags: Game Design, RPG, PC Gaming, Console Gaming
Original article: Polygon