This **Induction to Inductive Games** is an attempt to gather all games falling in the **inductive** category, sometimes also named //Instructionless//, //Rule-discovery// or //Black box// games. Having grown from research notes for [an upcoming inductive typing game|https://www.puzzletype.com#inductive], this living document may now be useful to players looking for inductive game gems, perhaps curious about the origins of the genre, as well as to inductive game designers, for whom the final [#Design Considerations for inductive games] was written. Hallmarks of inductive games include: - one or more underlying rules to be discovered; - progress equates with a deeper understanding of the rules; - no instructions given, intentionally, Those can be condensed in the following definition: > Inductive games are primarily about discovering a set of underlying rules, using inductive reasoning: prior examples or past interactions with the game world are used to construct hypotheses (possibly subconsciously), to be confronted with new examples and interactions, until they can no longer be disproven. ((by Pedro)) This definition excludes: - **Guessing** or **Concealed Information** games, where a limited number of questions can be asked before trying to guess not an underlying rule, but a piece of information such as a code (Mastermind), pattern ([Breaklock|https://maxwellito.github.io/breaklock/]), word (Hangman, [Wordle|https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html]), concept (20 questions), movement sequence ([the Inductive Game of Rubik's Cube|https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/4747486/suber_cube.htm]), personality ([Akinator|https://en.akinator.com/]), etc... - **Puzzlehunts**, chiefly because they are an heterogeneous category, as individual puzzles may possess (or not) an inductive nature. - games whose //primary// theme is not inductive even when occasional inductive elements are present (e.g [Tunic|https://store.steampowered.com/app/553420/TUNIC/], [Fez|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fez_(video_game)]) With this in mind, a tentative classification of Inductive Games could start by dividing them in three major groups: [#Atomic], [#Closed] and [#Open]. Atomic #=#=#=#= Atomic Inductive Games comprise a single unexplained situation, usually presented as a single level- Occasionally this situation may be spread across multiple levels (perhaps to clarify the idea or present more challenges) yet without adding new rules. TITLE AUTHOR>>>P YEAR Interaction QUESTION [Angry man's contest|https://forum.caravelgames.com/viewtopic.php?TopicID=9820] EricH2000 2006 Observation of picture clues What is the man angry about? [Tempres|https://tak.itch.io/tempres] (with [a demake|https://tobiasvl.itch.io/tempres-pico-8]) tak 2017 Click/tap (anywhere) How to light up the next bar? [Color Theory|https://jacklance.github.io/ColorTheory/] JackLance 2020 Placing lines and dots How many dots should be placed, and how connected? [Proof of Equivalence|https://jacklance.itch.io/proof-of-equivalence-via-explicit-construction-of-an-ambient-isotopy] Jack Lance 2022 Place and displace vertices How to move in 3D? // [TachyonTrains2d_another|https://knexator.github.io/old_page/tachyonTrains2D_another/] knexator 2022 TBA ? [Secure|https://toombler.itch.io/secure] Toombler 2022 Pushing blocks to "secure" positions What kind of positions are secure? ((a non-exhaustive list of atomic inductive games)) Closed =#=#=#=#= Closed inductive games tend to be self-contained, with the number of rules limited at the outset. Often, each of these rules is explored more deeply than those in [#Open Inductive Games], with particular emphasis on //edge-cases// and on their //mutual interactions//. A common eureka moment occurs when rules previously tested in limited scenarios suddenly generalise to encompass a new situation. As soon as all rules in a [#Closed] game are fully understood (and subsequent game goals attained) the game is complete. As the rules never change, replaying the game, or playing it after watching someone else offers diminishing value. At least two subtypes of [#Closed] inductive games may be distinguished: [#Symbolic] and [#Environmental] Symbolic ========= In symbolic inductive games, particular rules are tied to particular symbols (or combinations thereof). TITLE AUTHOR>>>P YEAR INTERACTION QUESTION COMMENTARY [Signal|https://arrogantgamer.itch.io/signal] ArrogantGamer 2013 Moving and pushing blocks with different labels How are movement patterns of different labels linked? Intentional use of visual noise to disguise mechanisms "hidden in plain sight" [The Witless|https://puzzling.stackexchange.com/questions/47870/witless-a-puzzling-journey] TheGreatEscaper 2017 Drawing lines on the board What does each symbol mean, in relation to the lines and the board? The progression though panel sets, which have consistent rules, //kindly// provides a way to assess one's partial understanding towards the whole solution (rare in paper-based games) [Illiteracy|https://le-slo.itch.io/illiteracy] Le Slo 2018 Clicking symbols to swap other symbols What is the effect of each symbol? - [MISLED, Puzzled|https://dazed-pidgeon.itch.io/misledpuzzled] Croubble 2019 Placing symbols on a grid - - [Gestalt OS|https://www.increpare.com/game/gestalt_os.html] Stephen Lavelle, Lucas Le SLo 2019 Placing symbols and watching their effects - - [Cypher|https://bencolewu.itch.io/cipher] Ben Cole Wu 2019 Activating tiles What do the annotations imply? A manual rule check lets players ask whether the current solution is correct, avoiding "chance wins" [Char Min Glee|https://jacklance.itch.io/char-min-glee] JackLance 2020 Clicking Buttons - Impressive codegolfing [Understand|https://store.steampowered.com/app/1299400/Understand/] Artless 2020 Line drawing through a grid with symbols - - [Artefact|https://azertinv.itch.io/artefact] Azertinv 2020 Inputing symbols into text fields - - [Cypherset|https://www.starmapsllc.com/#cipherset-section] [1|YT=2nMeLziEsfI] Starmaps LLC 2020 Moving around a grid while activating tiles - - [From Muddled to Clean (FMTC)|https://jacoblance.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/fmtc.pdf] Jack Lance 2020 Drawing loops What rules govern each loop, so the puzzles are uniquely solvable? Pen and paper based [Fremda|https://coreyhardt.itch.io/fremda] Corey Hardt 2021 Drag symbols to certain positions and a chain of tones Which symbol configurations produce the required chain? The musical and visual feedback indicate partial solutions, thereby guiding the player. [Insight|https://store.steampowered.com/app/1602980/Insight/] Maou 2021 Region division Which constraints on the possible divisions are imposed by the symbols? - [Autoscript|https://zacharybarbanell.itch.io/autoscript] ZacharyBarbanell and Knexator 2021 Placing symbols - - [Stoff OS|https://tilmannr.itch.io/stoff-os] Tilmann 2021 Placing symbols and watching their effects - - [Null Hypothesis|https://portponky.itch.io/null-hypothesis] Portponky 2021 Combining gems Which combination of gems will produce an effect? Non grid-based [Funny Looksy|https://prodzpod.github.io/witness/index.html] prodzpod 2021 Drawing lines to divide symbol tiles How does each symbol behave in relation to the line and other symbols? Witness like (core mechanic) [Symmetry Hall Problem|https://sporktank.itch.io/the-symmetry-hall-problem] Sporktank 2022 Activating tiles What do the numbers and underlays imply? Cumbersome input, also annoying that the default "empty" colour is not recognised as a legitimate colour, requiring more clicks. [Discovery Jigsaw|https://portponky.itch.io/discovery-jigsaw] Portponky 2022 Placing polyominos on a board Which placements are valid? What are the rules for each symbol? Levels can be played in any order, adding a new layer to discovery by letting players take full control of their inductive process. [Catalyst|https://knexator.itch.io/catalyst] knexator 2022 Combining gems See null hypothesis Inspired by Null hypothesis, but using a search algorithm to comb through possibly interesting rule sets [LOK Puzzlebook|https://www.blazgracar.com/lok] Blaz 2022 Crossing letter sequences on a grid What rules govern each word, so the puzzles are uniquely solvable? Pen and paper based [Gridspech|https://gridspech.baublejar.com/] krackocloud 2023 Flipping tiles on grid - [The Runic Conjecture|https://lio-lim.itch.io/the-runic-conjecture] Lio Lim 2023 Converting letters to a path What effect does each letter have on the path, and on other letters? - [ABDEC|https://letibus.itch.io/abdec] Blaz 2023 Placing "letters" on a board What shape does each "letter" represent and what are its rules? Pen and paper based [FMTC "Ripoff"|DIS/722960890525384804/1103801593167614074/fmtc_ripoff.pdf] Duyaa 2023 Drawing lines - - [Agriculture|https://brumbrumgames.itch.io/agriculture] BrumBrumGames 2023 Placing and removing symbols (animals) - - [Bilattice|https://www.starmapsllc.com/#bilattice-section] [1|YT=bsDv4K4ywSI] Starmaps LLC 2024 Shading tiles on a grid / dragging clues Which rules are imposed by each symbol? Pen and paper-inspired, with feedback e.g. in the form of exclamation marks/checks on number clues, etc... [Bobogram|https://uiqoo.kr/bobogram/] uiqoo 2024 Shading tiles on a grid - Pen and paper based ((A list of closed symbolic inductive games)) DIS/:=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ YT=:=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Environmental =============== Environmental inductive games do not restrict rules to particular symbols only, but tie them to physical objects in a simulated environment, akin to traditional escape room games (too many to list here). These games add a focus on lateral thinking and attentive observation, because it may not be obvious what is a "symbol", where to look, and what can be interacted with -- though some objects may be actual drawings of symbols, e.g. in a piece of paper. TITLE AUTHOR>>>P YEAR INTERACTION [Starseed Pilgrim |https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starseed_Pilgrim] droqen 2013 Placing seeds [Quern - undying thoughts|https://www.igdb.com/games/quern-undying-thoughts] Zadbox Entertainment 2015 Activating mechanisms [Rose|https://www.puzzlescript.net/play.html?p=ab40e550847221098dedd0d2bd876039] Jared Piers 2016 - [The Witness|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Witness_(2016_video_game)] Jonathan Blow 2016 Line drawing through a grid with symbols; activating mechanisms; observing the environment [Sensorium|https://tadcordle.github.io/projects/sensorium.html] Tad Cordle 2016 - [Islands|https://rosden.itch.io/islands] Rosden Shadow 2018 Activating hidden mechanisms in a block-pushing world [Compass Rose|https://pacesmith.itch.io/compass-rose] Pace Smith 2019 Answering riddles and interacting with the world [Un-lock|https://www.puzzlescript.net/play.html?p=0bde9b6117e2c7aebb4f226b47cbdc47] NoaCubeStudio 2020 Opening "locks" [Lingo|https://www.lingothegame.com/index.html] Brenton Wildes 2021 - [Taiji|https://mvandevander.itch.io/taiji] Matthew VanDevander 2022 Activating tiles; activating mechanisms; observing the environment [Logicality|https://store.steampowered.com/app/2013650/Logicality/] (witness clonish) SVGames 2022 Pressing buttons in order [Syllogism|https://store.steampowered.com/app/2740350/Syllogism/] SVGames 2024 Turning arrows in a 2D map (interactign with the environment) //[Cypher Zero|https://store.steampowered.com/app/1332180/CIPHER_ZERO/] (see Cypher) Zapdot TBA Shading tiles/regions on a grid [Awakening|https://store.steampowered.com/app/1118830/AWAKENING/] Sebastian Blanco TBA Extracting clues from videos ((A list of environmental inductive games)) Open =#=#=#=#= Open inductive games have no beginning nor end, because rules are derived on the fly for each new game. When relying on symbols or pieces, those need never be tied to particular rules, but may change meaning with every replay. Nevertheless, some well-known open games may develop a "canon" of known good rules, usually aimed at beginners, plus, sometimes, a "uncanon" of unacceptable rules, infamous for frustrating players. As long as new interesting rules keep being devised by their players-creators, Open inductive games are intrinsically replayable. TITLE AUTHOR>>>P YEAR INTERACTION [Eleusis|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleusis_(card_game)] Robert Abbott 1956 Determining why a card may or not be played [Mao|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_(card_game)] (also Mau) unknown ??? (see Eleusis) [Bongard Problems|https://www.foundalis.com/res/bps/bpidx.htm] M. M. Bongard 1967 Finding the distinctive feature in two sets of 6 images [Queries 'n Theories|https://gamesforthinkers.org/all/scientific-reasoning/queries-n-theories-the-game-of-science-and-language/] Layman E. Allen, Joan Ross and Peter Krugel 1970 Reconstructing a hidden language with a formal structure (basic sentences and replacement rules), by formulating questions (queries) [Petals around the rose|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petals_Around_the_Rose] unknown 1970s Observing dice rolls and results, then trying to deduce a formula [Penultima Chess|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penultima] Michael Greene and Adam Chalcraf 1994 Attempting to move a chess piece [Zendo|http://www.koryheath.com/zendo/] Kory Heath 1999 Asking the master whether a piece configuration follows the hidden rule [Eleusis Express|https://www.logicmazes.com/games/eleusis/express.html] John Golden 2006 (see Eleusis) [Luminare|https://clockworkacorn.com/games/luminare/] Clockwork Acorn 2015 Classifying new examples as black or white [Riddle Runes|https://zithral.itch.io/riddle-runes], formerly [Sigils|https://globalgamejam.org/2016/games/sigils] Zithral 2016 ??? [White Pillars|https://rosden.itch.io/white-pillars] Rosden Shadow 2018 Pushing blocks [Devil's Calculator|https://www.cinqmarsmedia.com/devilscalculator/] cinqmarsmedia 2019 Typing (numbers) [Caterpillar logic|https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.gromozeka1980.caterpillar_logic] Michael Fuks 2020 Classifying new examples as valid or invalid [Send A Damned Message|https://www.wuthejeff.com/send-a-damned-message/] Jeff Wu 2021 Typing [Exactly 7|https://matrix67.itch.io/exactly-seven] matrix67 2021 Increment or decrement a score counter by activating tiles, picking letters, etc... [Instructionless Grid|https://ig.logicpuzzle.app/] Wando 2021 Paper puzzle drawing [The Name of the game|https://forum.mafiascum.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=86368&p=12706255#p12706255] Lady Lambdadelta 2021 Variable rules, multiple question checks [h|https://www.blazgracar.com/h] UrbanBlazGracar 2022 ??? [-vxv-|https://auroriax.github.io/PuzzleScript/play.html?p=516031004a56187a01b73acc0e8b0636] Competor 2022 Drawing in a mysterious interface [House|https://studio369.itch.io/house] studio369 2022 Visual clues VIX [1] puzzles: [I|€/2q79nma5],[II|€/2jlsn3nh],[III|€/2z3ejojl] , @JackLance's [IV|€/mr7nfnbd] ,[V|€/2gsugzl5],[VI|€/2kbxn5z9], [VII|€/2eyt479m], [VIII|€/2m5yo3yu], [IX|€/ubjdpy2r] JacobZ. 2022 Placing Roman Numerals [Forgetting|https://store.steampowered.com/app/2337070/Forgetting/] galactical 2024 Shading (tiles on a grid with symbols) [Puzzle Type|https://www.puzzletype.com#inductive] Pedro TBA Typing ((A list of open inductive games)) Social games where players keep providing words or objects as examples until they find a hidden rule, such as [Umbrella|https://campfirehacker.com/the-umbrella-game/], [Green Glass Door|https://campfirehacker.com/green-glass-door/], [Black Magic|https://campfirehacker.com/black-magic-game/], [Music Box|https://www.reddit.com/r/riddles/comments/17e24y/the_music_box/], [Scissors|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scissors_(game)] and [Triangle Mind|http://www.games-wiki.org/wiki/Triangle/] could be seen together as components of a larger open game. However, as the supply of such hidden rules seems relatively limited, it seems more appropriate to call them a //collection of games//. €:=https://tinyurl.com ## Design considerations for Inductive Games Designing inductive games requires additional considerations from those that apply to standard puzzle games. Here are a few that site.author deems important, earned from analysis and first-hand experience. ### Blind vs Kind In a **blind** game, you are playing blindly, attempting things without any feedback, except a final "yes or no" -- only after understanding absolutely everything can you win the current situation. In contrast, a **kind** game, you receive some feedback after every action, which reduces frustration because you can gauge your own understanding. When making Inductive games, it is of utmost importance to make them *kind*. |:info: In paper-based / physical media, designers should be aware of the medium's feedback limitations, and think creatively on how to overcome them. Whereas in digital media, the abundance of feedback options should easily nudge designers towards making inductive games **kind**. ### Auto vs Controlled As players interact with an inductive game with partial understanding, every so often they produce an action with unexpected results. They may even wish to explore randomly to see what happens. Thus there is an unavoidable chance that players "win" without fully understanding the system. Some games enforce a manual "win check" to prevent this, but this actively slows down players, creating friction. Much better to provide them them more control, by letting them go back and forth in their actions, "unwin" or pause anytime. ### Complicated vs Complex The complexity of an underlying rule relates to how many test cases that need to be checked by players so they are convinced they understand the rule, as well as to the cognitive effort of each individual check. Rules in inductive games should be **complex** enough to feel interesting but not overly **complicated**, such that they feel longwinded (too many unrelated checks) or burdensome (each check is hard or slow to reason about) ### Forgetful vs Recorded As the number of past interactions grow, a point will be reached where players will find it hard to keep all past information in their mind. Whereas in paper-based inductives players can be expected to take notes, players may expect digital inductive games to take notes for them. Digital inductives should //at the very least// allow players to replay any particular situation, thus discouraging **forgetfulness**. At their very best, they'll provide a handy, concise **record** of past interactions that serve as handy test cases (without revealing the underlying rule) for players evaluating new hypotheses. ### Fictional vs Real Since a deeprer understanding is the result of finishing an inductive game, it is natural to ask: //what// was understood? By playing a fictional game, you gain a deeper understanding of the game's fantasy world; but in an real game, you are rewarded with a new understanding of (some aspect of) the real world. ## References The following game lists partially overlap with those in this article: Games with concealed rules [1|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_with_concealed_rules] Induction in board games [1|https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamemechanic/3003/induction], [2|https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/9188/other-logic-games-use-induction-instead-deduction], [3|https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamemechanic/3003/induction/linkeditems/boardgamemechanic] Witnesslikes list [1|https://itch.io/c/1692312/witnesslikes] ## Acknowledgments and Changes **2021-04-14** A rough first draft incorporating feedback from the Thinky Community: thanks @AndreaGilbert, @Zaratusra, @JosephMansfield, @Portponky, @LeSlo, @ClementSparrow, @Kirraluan, @TJM, @MysticSailboat, @TheQwertiest, @JoelFox, @Jcgyo and @JackLance for all the suggestions and resources! **2022-12-05** Thanks to @knexator for super-early-bird feedback on this list! **2023-02-05** Thanks to @AdamGashlin for reaching out with additional suggestions! **2024-02-21** Thanks to @MartinEnder for sending a missing entry and @ChaoticIak, @axcaea, @Genteelman and @KusaneHexaku for additional feedback that led to some clarifications!