Building in Public: Evolving Game Design for TCD

One of the most fascinating challenges we've grappled with while developing "The Consulting Detective" is managing player behavior in a way that enhances the experience for everyone involved. Each episode is anchored by a core mystery—a solution that's the culmination of investigative efforts. However, this structure presents a unique problem: once the first team solves the day's mission, they can easily share the solution, allowing others to submit it without engaging in any actual sleuthing.

Our initial instinct was to find a way to prevent this from happening. But past experiences have taught us that trying to control player behavior can often backfire. Instead, we decided to lean into it and find a way to incorporate it into the game design meaningfully.

Inspired by the golf app TheGrint—which uses a verification system where fellow players vouch for your performance—we implemented a similar concept. Players can submit an accusation at any point, even immediately upon starting the game. We recognize, however, that there's a difference between guessing (or being told) the answer and truly uncovering it through investigation. So, we introduced a verification percentage that's tied to the clues and items each player or team uncovers. This system doesn't prevent information sharing but adds a layer of credibility to the investigative process. It encourages players to delve deeper, rewarding thorough exploration over quick guesses.

While this system worked in theory, in practice it introduced a new issue. Combined with time pressure, the game started to feel frantic and less enjoyable. Players were rushing through the experience, which detracted from the immersive, strategic gameplay we aimed to create.

To address this, we made a pivotal change: we shifted to a move-based system. Now, each player on a team starts with a set number of moves, which are spent when investigating locations or speaking with characters. This alteration transformed the gameplay dynamics significantly. Each move became valuable, encouraging players to think strategically about their choices. The pace slowed down in a positive way, reducing the rush and allowing teams to collaborate more effectively. The focus shifted from hurriedly finding the solution to maximizing validation through thoughtful investigation within the given moves.

This move-based system not only alleviated the pressure but also deepened the collaborative aspect of the game. Teams now work together more closely, discussing how best to allocate their moves to uncover the most critical clues. It brings a layer of strategy that enriches the overall experience.

Additionally, we've sprinkled easter eggs throughout each episode—subtle hints that contribute to a larger meta-narrative. These hidden elements add another dimension to the game, rewarding players who pay close attention and engage deeply with the content.

Hopefully we've been able to improve "The Consulting Detective" in ways that make it more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved!