Game design isn’t as complicated as it looks. In his latest article, Raph Koster breaks down what makes a game “fun,” and most of it comes down to clear systems, meaningful challenges, and smart pacing.
He explains that fun happens when progress feels real. It’s the moment a player solves a problem, not when they’re stuck on it. That same logic applies far beyond gaming. When people can see how far they’ve come, whether in the creative process, a brand experience, or even a retail space.
What stands out most in Koster’s framework is how universal it feels. Every great design starts with a clear problem, an intuitive way to engage with it, and a reward that feels earned. It’s about giving people that subtle rhythm of challenge and satisfaction, the same balance that makes games addictive and experiences memorable.
Koster’s take is a reminder that good design, in any form, is really just about understanding what people care about and helping them feel the joy of figuring something out.
Read the full article here: Game Design Is Simple, Actually
