Making the numbers work.
WHAT BALANCE MEANS
No option being clearly best, and no option being useless.
WHAT DOMINANT STRATEGY MEANS
One approach outperforming all others, collapsing choice.
WHY IT IS THE PRIMARY FAILURE
It removes the decisions the systems existed to create.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Options nobody chooses Options everybody chooses Combinations far exceeding intended power
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNDERUSED OPTIONS
Strengthen them, rather than weakening everything else.
WHY
It preserves the feeling of power.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DOMINANT ONES
Reduce them, if they trivialise the game.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Changing values players have invested in Frequent adjustments that unsettle Balancing for the most skilled players only
WHAT DATA HELPS
Usage rates per option Win rates, where applicable Where players stop
WHAT DATA CANNOT TELL YOU
Whether something is enjoyable.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH
Playing, and watching others play.
WHAT TO KEEP
Balance values in data, adjustable without rebuilding.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
The intended role of each option.
WHY
Balancing without knowing the intent produces homogeneity.
