Game balancing wisdom

Two orcs

Officially better than you, according to PoN
Taken from Sirlin, avid fighting game creator.

It is easier to recognize when something is too strong than when it is too weak. This means when tuning the power of an ability or class it's better to first make it overpowered and then gradually lower it's power till it feels right. A problem with gradually increasing power is players will not try them out to their limit and gradually improving the ability over time will suddenly blow up in your face.
 

Johann

*eyeroll*
Sirlin's written some good stuff, including a book entitled Playing to Win. Haven't looked at his blog in ages, though. Nice quote!
 
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