Problem-solving - Games

Problem-solving is the core mechanic that drives engagement across genres, from puzzle games requiring logical deduction to open-world adventures demanding strategic resource management. It manifests as environmental puzzles, branching dialogue choices, combat tactics, and systemic interactions that reward player creativity. This universal design element transforms passive consumption into active participation, creating meaningful challenges that foster cognitive skills and a sense of accomplishment. In game design, problem-solving serves as both a gameplay foundation and a narrative device, allowing players to inhabit roles where their decisions directly shape outcomes.