CINXE.COM

<!doctype html><html lang="en"><head><title data-rh="true">6 games every designer should play | by Ali Waris | Nov, 2024 | Medium</title><meta data-rh="true" charset="utf-8"/><meta data-rh="true" name="viewport" content="width=device-width,minimum-scale=1,initial-scale=1,maximum-scale=1"/><meta data-rh="true" name="theme-color" content="#000000"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:app:name:iphone" content="Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:app:id:iphone" content="828256236"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:ios:app_name" content="Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:ios:app_store_id" content="828256236"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:android:package" content="com.medium.reader"/><meta data-rh="true" property="fb:app_id" content="542599432471018"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:site_name" content="Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:type" content="article"/><meta data-rh="true" property="article:published_time" content="2024-11-22T12:25:58.386Z"/><meta data-rh="true" name="title" content="6 games every designer should play | by Ali Waris | Nov, 2024 | Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:title" content="6 games every designer should play"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:android:url" content="medium://p/15ea942d553b"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:ios:url" content="medium://p/15ea942d553b"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:android:app_name" content="Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" name="description" content="The bell rings, and I run toward the iconic “Dabba” — a box in every sense of the word. Awaiting me is the Suzuki Bolan, mankind’s cruelest attempt at a pick-and-drop van. Designed for five but…"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:description" content="How video-games shape my approach to design and keep me sane"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:url" content="https://thealiwaris.medium.com/6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b"/><meta data-rh="true" property="al:web:url" content="https://thealiwaris.medium.com/6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b"/><meta data-rh="true" property="og:image" content="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1200/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg"/><meta data-rh="true" property="article:author" content="https://thealiwaris.medium.com"/><meta data-rh="true" name="author" content="Ali Waris"/><meta data-rh="true" name="robots" content="index,noarchive,follow,max-image-preview:large"/><meta data-rh="true" name="referrer" content="unsafe-url"/><meta data-rh="true" property="twitter:title" content="6 games every designer should play"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:site" content="@Medium"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:app:url:iphone" content="medium://p/15ea942d553b"/><meta data-rh="true" property="twitter:description" content="How video-games shape my approach to design and keep me sane"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:image:src" content="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1200/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:label1" content="Reading time"/><meta data-rh="true" name="twitter:data1" content="5 min read"/><link data-rh="true" rel="icon" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/5d8de952517e8160e40ef9841c781cdc14a5db313057fa3c3de41c6f5b494b19"/><link data-rh="true" rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" title="Medium" href="/osd.xml"/><link data-rh="true" rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="152x152" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:304:304/10fd5c419ac61637245384e7099e131627900034828f4f386bdaa47a74eae156"/><link data-rh="true" rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="120x120" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:240:240/10fd5c419ac61637245384e7099e131627900034828f4f386bdaa47a74eae156"/><link data-rh="true" rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="76x76" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:152:152/10fd5c419ac61637245384e7099e131627900034828f4f386bdaa47a74eae156"/><link data-rh="true" rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="60x60" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:120:120/10fd5c419ac61637245384e7099e131627900034828f4f386bdaa47a74eae156"/><link data-rh="true" rel="mask-icon" href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:1000:1000/7*GAOKVe--MXbEJmV9230oOQ.png" color="#171717"/><link data-rh="true" rel="preconnect" href="https://glyph.medium.com" crossOrigin=""/><link data-rh="true" id="glyph_preload_link" rel="preload" as="style" type="text/css" href="https://glyph.medium.com/css/unbound.css"/><link data-rh="true" id="glyph_link" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://glyph.medium.com/css/unbound.css"/><link data-rh="true" rel="author" href="https://thealiwaris.medium.com"/><link data-rh="true" rel="canonical" href="https://thealiwaris.medium.com/6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b"/><link data-rh="true" rel="alternate" href="android-app://com.medium.reader/https/medium.com/p/15ea942d553b"/><script data-rh="true" type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"http:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","image":["https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1200\u002F1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg"],"url":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com\u002F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b","dateCreated":"2024-11-22T12:16:59.787Z","datePublished":"2024-11-22T12:16:59.787Z","dateModified":"2024-11-22T12:25:58.386Z","headline":"6 games every designer should play - Ali Waris - Medium","name":"6 games every designer should play - Ali Waris - Medium","description":"The bell rings, and I run toward the iconic “Dabba” — a box in every sense of the word. Awaiting me is the Suzuki Bolan, mankind’s cruelest attempt at a pick-and-drop van. Designed for five but…","identifier":"15ea942d553b","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ali Waris","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com"},"creator":["Ali Waris"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Medium","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com\u002F","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":272,"height":60,"url":"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:544\u002F7*V1_7XP4snlmqrc_0Njontw.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com\u002F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b"}</script><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="STATIC">html{box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%}*, *:before, *:after{box-sizing:inherit}body{margin:0;padding:0;text-rendering:optimizeLegibility;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.8);position:relative;min-height:100vh}h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, dl, dd, ol, ul, menu, figure, blockquote, p, pre, form{margin:0}menu, ol, ul{padding:0;list-style:none;list-style-image:none}main{display:block}a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}a, button, input{-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}img, svg{vertical-align:middle}button{background:transparent;overflow:visible}button, input, optgroup, select, textarea{margin:0}:root{--reach-tabs:1;--reach-menu-button:1}#speechify-root{font-family:Sohne, sans-serif}div[data-popper-reference-hidden="true"]{visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none}.grecaptcha-badge{visibility:hidden} /*XCode style (c) Angel Garcia <angelgarcia.mail@gmail.com>*/.hljs {background: #fff;color: black; }/* Gray DOCTYPE selectors like WebKit */ .xml .hljs-meta {color: #c0c0c0; }.hljs-comment, .hljs-quote {color: #007400; }.hljs-tag, .hljs-attribute, .hljs-keyword, .hljs-selector-tag, .hljs-literal, .hljs-name {color: #aa0d91; }.hljs-variable, .hljs-template-variable {color: #3F6E74; }.hljs-code, .hljs-string, .hljs-meta .hljs-string {color: #c41a16; }.hljs-regexp, .hljs-link {color: #0E0EFF; }.hljs-title, .hljs-symbol, .hljs-bullet, .hljs-number {color: #1c00cf; }.hljs-section, .hljs-meta {color: #643820; }.hljs-title.class_, .hljs-class .hljs-title, .hljs-type, .hljs-built_in, .hljs-params {color: #5c2699; }.hljs-attr {color: #836C28; }.hljs-subst {color: #000; }.hljs-formula {background-color: #eee;font-style: italic; }.hljs-addition {background-color: #baeeba; }.hljs-deletion {background-color: #ffc8bd; }.hljs-selector-id, .hljs-selector-class {color: #9b703f; }.hljs-doctag, .hljs-strong {font-weight: bold; }.hljs-emphasis {font-style: italic; } </style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="KEYFRAME">@-webkit-keyframes k1{0%{opacity:0.8}50%{opacity:0.5}100%{opacity:0.8}}@-moz-keyframes k1{0%{opacity:0.8}50%{opacity:0.5}100%{opacity:0.8}}@keyframes k1{0%{opacity:0.8}50%{opacity:0.5}100%{opacity:0.8}}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE">.a{font-family:medium-content-sans-serif-font, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif}.b{font-weight:400}.c{background-color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)}.l{display:block}.m{position:sticky}.n{top:0}.o{z-index:500}.p{padding:0 24px}.q{align-items:center}.r{border-bottom:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.y{height:41px}.z{line-height:20px}.ab{display:flex}.ac{height:57px}.ae{flex:1 0 auto}.af{color:inherit}.ag{fill:inherit}.ah{font-size:inherit}.ai{border:inherit}.aj{font-family:inherit}.ak{letter-spacing:inherit}.al{font-weight:inherit}.am{padding:0}.an{margin:0}.ao{cursor:pointer}.ap:disabled{cursor:not-allowed}.aq:disabled{color:#6B6B6B}.ar:disabled{fill:#6B6B6B}.au{width:auto}.av path{fill:#242424}.aw{height:25px}.ax{margin-left:16px}.ay{border:none}.az{border-radius:20px}.ba{width:240px}.bb{background:#F9F9F9}.bc path{fill:#6B6B6B}.be{outline:none}.bf{font-family:sohne, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif}.bg{font-size:14px}.bh{width:100%}.bi{padding:10px 20px 10px 0}.bj{background-color:transparent}.bk{color:#242424}.bl::placeholder{color:#6B6B6B}.bm{display:inline-block}.bn{margin-left:12px}.bo{margin-right:12px}.bp{border-radius:4px}.bq{margin-left:24px}.br{height:24px}.bx{background-color:#F9F9F9}.by{border-radius:50%}.bz{height:32px}.ca{width:32px}.cb{justify-content:center}.ch{max-width:680px}.ci{min-width:0}.cj{animation:k1 1.2s ease-in-out infinite}.ck{height:100vh}.cl{margin-bottom:16px}.cm{margin-top:48px}.cn{align-items:flex-start}.co{flex-direction:column}.cp{justify-content:space-between}.cq{margin-bottom:24px}.cw{width:80%}.cx{background-color:#F2F2F2}.dd{height:44px}.de{width:44px}.df{margin:auto 0}.dg{margin-bottom:4px}.dh{height:16px}.di{width:120px}.dj{width:80px}.dp{margin-bottom:8px}.dq{width:96%}.dr{width:98%}.ds{width:81%}.dt{margin-left:8px}.du{color:#6B6B6B}.dv{font-size:13px}.dw{height:100%}.ep{color:#FFFFFF}.eq{fill:#FFFFFF}.er{background:#1A8917}.es{border-color:#1A8917}.ew:disabled{cursor:inherit !important}.ex:disabled{opacity:0.3}.ey:disabled:hover{background:#1A8917}.ez:disabled:hover{border-color:#1A8917}.fa{border-radius:99em}.fb{border-width:1px}.fc{border-style:solid}.fd{box-sizing:border-box}.fe{text-decoration:none}.ff{text-align:center}.fi{margin-right:32px}.fj{position:relative}.fk{fill:#6B6B6B}.fn{background:transparent}.fo svg{margin-left:4px}.fp svg{fill:#6B6B6B}.fr{box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05)}.fs{position:absolute}.fz{margin:0 24px}.gd{background:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)}.ge{border:1px solid #F2F2F2}.gf{box-shadow:0 1px 4px #F2F2F2}.gg{max-height:100vh}.gh{overflow-y:auto}.gi{left:0}.gj{top:calc(100vh + 100px)}.gk{bottom:calc(100vh + 100px)}.gl{width:10px}.gm{pointer-events:none}.gn{word-break:break-word}.go{word-wrap:break-word}.gp:after{display:block}.gq:after{content:""}.gr:after{clear:both}.gs{line-height:1.23}.gt{letter-spacing:0}.gu{font-style:normal}.gv{font-weight:700}.hq{margin-bottom:-0.27em}.hr{line-height:1.394}.im{align-items:baseline}.in{width:48px}.io{height:48px}.ip{border:2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)}.iq{z-index:0}.ir{box-shadow:none}.is{border:1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05)}.it{margin-bottom:2px}.iu{flex-wrap:nowrap}.iv{font-size:16px}.iw{line-height:24px}.iy{margin:0 8px}.iz{display:inline}.ja{color:#1A8917}.jb{fill:#1A8917}.je{flex:0 0 auto}.jh{flex-wrap:wrap}.ji{padding-left:8px}.jj{padding-right:8px}.kk> *{flex-shrink:0}.kl{overflow-x:scroll}.km::-webkit-scrollbar{display:none}.kn{scrollbar-width:none}.ko{-ms-overflow-style:none}.kp{width:74px}.kq{flex-direction:row}.kr{z-index:2}.ks{margin-right:4px}.kv{-webkit-user-select:none}.kw{border:0}.kx{fill:rgba(117, 117, 117, 1)}.la{outline:0}.lb{user-select:none}.lc> svg{pointer-events:none}.ll{cursor:progress}.lm{opacity:1}.ln{padding:4px 0}.lq{margin-top:0px}.lr{width:16px}.lt{display:inline-flex}.lz{max-width:100%}.ma{padding:8px 2px}.mb svg{color:#6B6B6B}.ms{clear:both}.my{height:auto}.mz{line-height:1.58}.na{letter-spacing:-0.004em}.nb{font-family:source-serif-pro, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif}.nu{margin-bottom:-0.46em}.nv{margin-left:auto}.nw{margin-right:auto}.nx{max-width:1500px}.nz{cursor:zoom-in}.oa{z-index:auto}.oc{font-style:italic}.od{line-height:1.18}.oe{letter-spacing:-0.022em}.of{font-weight:600}.ov{margin-bottom:-0.31em}.ow{max-width:2756px}.ox{margin-top:32px}.oy{margin-bottom:14px}.oz{padding-top:24px}.pa{padding-bottom:10px}.pb{background-color:#000000}.pc{height:3px}.pd{width:3px}.pe{margin-right:20px}.pf{margin-bottom:26px}.pg{margin-top:6px}.ph{margin-top:8px}.pi{margin-right:8px}.pj{padding:8px 16px}.pk{border-radius:100px}.pl{transition:background 300ms ease}.pn{white-space:nowrap}.po{border-top:none}.pp{height:52px}.pq{max-height:52px}.pr{box-sizing:content-box}.ps{position:static}.pt{z-index:1}.pv{max-width:155px}.qg{height:0px}.qh{margin-bottom:40px}.qw{height:64px}.qx{width:64px}.qy{align-self:flex-end}.qz{color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)}.ra{fill:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)}.rb{background:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.rc{border-color:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.rf:disabled{opacity:0.1}.rg:disabled:hover{background:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.rh:disabled:hover{border-color:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.ri{flex:1 1 auto}.ro{padding-right:4px}.rp{font-weight:500}.rw{white-space:pre-wrap}.rx{margin-top:16px}.ry{margin-bottom:54px}.sp{gap:18px}.sq{fill:rgba(61, 61, 61, 1)}.sx{border-bottom:solid 1px #E5E5E5}.sy{margin-top:72px}.sz{padding:24px 0}.ta{margin-bottom:0px}.tb{margin-right:16px}.as:hover:not(:disabled){color:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.at:hover:not(:disabled){fill:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.et:hover{background:#156D12}.eu:hover{border-color:#156D12}.ev:hover{cursor:pointer}.fl:hover{color:#242424}.fm:hover{fill:#242424}.fq:hover svg{fill:#242424}.ft:hover{background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)}.ix:hover{text-decoration:underline}.jc:hover:not(:disabled){color:#156D12}.jd:hover:not(:disabled){fill:#156D12}.kz:hover{fill:rgba(8, 8, 8, 1)}.lo:hover{fill:#000000}.lp:hover p{color:#000000}.ls:hover{color:#000000}.mc:hover svg{color:#000000}.pm:hover{background-color:#F2F2F2}.qv:hover{background-color:none}.rd:hover{background:#000000}.re:hover{border-color:#242424}.sr:hover{fill:rgba(25, 25, 25, 1)}.bd:focus-within path{fill:#242424}.ky:focus{fill:rgba(8, 8, 8, 1)}.md:focus svg{color:#000000}.ob:focus{transform:scale(1.01)}.ld:active{border-style:none}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (min-width: 1080px)">.d{display:none}.bw{width:64px}.cg{margin:0 64px}.cv{height:48px}.dc{margin-bottom:52px}.do{margin-bottom:48px}.ef{font-size:14px}.eg{line-height:20px}.em{font-size:13px}.eo{padding:5px 12px}.fh{display:flex}.fy{margin-bottom:68px}.gc{max-width:680px}.hm{font-size:42px}.hn{margin-top:1.19em}.ho{line-height:52px}.hp{letter-spacing:-0.011em}.ie{font-size:22px}.if{margin-top:0.92em}.ig{line-height:28px}.il{align-items:center}.jw{border-top:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.jx{border-bottom:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.jy{margin:32px 0 0}.jz{padding:3px 8px}.ki> *{margin-right:24px}.kj> :last-child{margin-right:0}.lk{margin-top:0px}.ly{margin:0}.mx{margin-top:56px}.nq{font-size:20px}.nr{margin-top:2.14em}.ns{line-height:32px}.nt{letter-spacing:-0.003em}.os{margin-top:1.72em}.ot{line-height:24px}.ou{letter-spacing:0}.qa{display:inline-block}.qf{margin-bottom:104px}.qi{flex-direction:row}.ql{margin-bottom:0}.qm{margin-right:20px}.rj{max-width:500px}.sd{margin-bottom:72px}.sm{font-size:24px}.sn{line-height:30px}.so{letter-spacing:-0.016em}.sw{padding-top:72px}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (max-width: 1079.98px)">.e{display:none}.lj{margin-top:0px}.pz{display:inline-block}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (max-width: 903.98px)">.f{display:none}.li{margin-top:0px}.py{display:inline-block}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (max-width: 727.98px)">.g{display:none}.lg{margin-top:0px}.lh{margin-right:0px}.px{display:inline-block}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (max-width: 551.98px)">.h{display:none}.s{display:flex}.t{justify-content:space-between}.bs{width:24px}.cc{margin:0 24px}.cr{height:40px}.cy{margin-bottom:44px}.dk{margin-bottom:32px}.dx{font-size:13px}.dy{line-height:20px}.eh{padding:0px 8px 1px}.fu{margin-bottom:4px}.gw{font-size:32px}.gx{margin-top:1.01em}.gy{line-height:38px}.gz{letter-spacing:-0.014em}.hs{font-size:18px}.ht{margin-top:0.79em}.hu{line-height:24px}.ih{align-items:flex-start}.jf{flex-direction:column}.jk{margin:24px -24px 0}.jl{padding:0}.ka> *{margin-right:8px}.kb> :last-child{margin-right:24px}.kt{margin-left:0px}.le{margin-top:0px}.lf{margin-right:0px}.lu{margin:0}.me{border:1px solid #F2F2F2}.mf{border-radius:99em}.mg{padding:0px 16px 0px 12px}.mh{height:38px}.mi{align-items:center}.mk svg{margin-right:8px}.mt{margin-top:40px}.nc{margin-top:1.56em}.nd{line-height:28px}.ne{letter-spacing:-0.003em}.og{font-size:16px}.oh{margin-top:1.23em}.oi{letter-spacing:0}.pw{display:inline-block}.qb{margin-bottom:96px}.qt{margin-bottom:20px}.qu{margin-right:0}.rn{max-width:100%}.rq{font-size:24px}.rr{line-height:30px}.rs{letter-spacing:-0.016em}.rz{margin-bottom:64px}.se{font-size:20px}.ss{padding-top:48px}.mj:hover{border-color:#E5E5E5}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (min-width: 904px) and (max-width: 1079.98px)">.i{display:none}.bv{width:64px}.cf{margin:0 64px}.cu{height:48px}.db{margin-bottom:52px}.dn{margin-bottom:48px}.ed{font-size:14px}.ee{line-height:20px}.ek{font-size:13px}.el{padding:5px 12px}.fg{display:flex}.fx{margin-bottom:68px}.gb{max-width:680px}.hi{font-size:42px}.hj{margin-top:1.19em}.hk{line-height:52px}.hl{letter-spacing:-0.011em}.ib{font-size:22px}.ic{margin-top:0.92em}.id{line-height:28px}.ik{align-items:center}.js{border-top:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.jt{border-bottom:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.ju{margin:32px 0 0}.jv{padding:3px 8px}.kg> *{margin-right:24px}.kh> :last-child{margin-right:0}.lx{margin:0}.mw{margin-top:56px}.nm{font-size:20px}.nn{margin-top:2.14em}.no{line-height:32px}.np{letter-spacing:-0.003em}.op{margin-top:1.72em}.oq{line-height:24px}.or{letter-spacing:0}.qe{margin-bottom:104px}.qj{flex-direction:row}.qn{margin-bottom:0}.qo{margin-right:20px}.rk{max-width:500px}.sc{margin-bottom:72px}.sj{font-size:24px}.sk{line-height:30px}.sl{letter-spacing:-0.016em}.sv{padding-top:72px}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (min-width: 728px) and (max-width: 903.98px)">.j{display:none}.w{display:flex}.x{justify-content:space-between}.bu{width:64px}.ce{margin:0 48px}.ct{height:48px}.da{margin-bottom:52px}.dm{margin-bottom:48px}.eb{font-size:13px}.ec{line-height:20px}.ej{padding:0px 8px 1px}.fw{margin-bottom:68px}.ga{max-width:680px}.he{font-size:42px}.hf{margin-top:1.19em}.hg{line-height:52px}.hh{letter-spacing:-0.011em}.hy{font-size:22px}.hz{margin-top:0.92em}.ia{line-height:28px}.ij{align-items:center}.jo{border-top:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.jp{border-bottom:solid 1px #F2F2F2}.jq{margin:32px 0 0}.jr{padding:3px 8px}.ke> *{margin-right:24px}.kf> :last-child{margin-right:0}.lw{margin:0}.mv{margin-top:56px}.ni{font-size:20px}.nj{margin-top:2.14em}.nk{line-height:32px}.nl{letter-spacing:-0.003em}.om{margin-top:1.72em}.on{line-height:24px}.oo{letter-spacing:0}.qd{margin-bottom:104px}.qk{flex-direction:row}.qp{margin-bottom:0}.qq{margin-right:20px}.rl{max-width:500px}.sb{margin-bottom:72px}.sg{font-size:24px}.sh{line-height:30px}.si{letter-spacing:-0.016em}.su{padding-top:72px}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="all and (min-width: 552px) and (max-width: 727.98px)">.k{display:none}.u{display:flex}.v{justify-content:space-between}.bt{width:24px}.cd{margin:0 24px}.cs{height:40px}.cz{margin-bottom:44px}.dl{margin-bottom:32px}.dz{font-size:13px}.ea{line-height:20px}.ei{padding:0px 8px 1px}.fv{margin-bottom:4px}.ha{font-size:32px}.hb{margin-top:1.01em}.hc{line-height:38px}.hd{letter-spacing:-0.014em}.hv{font-size:18px}.hw{margin-top:0.79em}.hx{line-height:24px}.ii{align-items:flex-start}.jg{flex-direction:column}.jm{margin:24px 0 0}.jn{padding:0}.kc> *{margin-right:8px}.kd> :last-child{margin-right:8px}.ku{margin-left:0px}.lv{margin:0}.ml{border:1px solid #F2F2F2}.mm{border-radius:99em}.mn{padding:0px 16px 0px 12px}.mo{height:38px}.mp{align-items:center}.mr svg{margin-right:8px}.mu{margin-top:40px}.nf{margin-top:1.56em}.ng{line-height:28px}.nh{letter-spacing:-0.003em}.oj{font-size:16px}.ok{margin-top:1.23em}.ol{letter-spacing:0}.qc{margin-bottom:96px}.qr{margin-bottom:20px}.qs{margin-right:0}.rm{max-width:100%}.rt{font-size:24px}.ru{line-height:30px}.rv{letter-spacing:-0.016em}.sa{margin-bottom:64px}.sf{font-size:20px}.st{padding-top:48px}.mq:hover{border-color:#E5E5E5}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="print">.pu{display:none}</style><style type="text/css" data-fela-rehydration="521" data-fela-type="RULE" media="(prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference)">.ny{transition:transform 300ms cubic-bezier(0.2, 0, 0.2, 1)}</style></head><body><div id="root"><div class="a b c"><div class="d e f g h i j k"></div><script>document.domain = document.domain;</script><div class="l c"><div class="l m n o c"><div class="p q r s t u v w x i d y z"><a class="du ag dv bf ak b am an ao ap aq ar as at s u w i d q dw z" href="https://rsci.app.link/?%24canonical_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&%7Efeature=LoOpenInAppButton&%7Echannel=ShowPostUnderUser&source=---top_nav_layout_nav----------------------------------" rel="noopener follow">Open in app<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="10" height="10" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 10 10" class="dt"><path fill="currentColor" d="M.985 8.485a.375.375 0 1 0 .53.53zM8.75 1.25h.375A.375.375 0 0 0 8.75.875zM8.375 6.5a.375.375 0 1 0 .75 0zM3.5.875a.375.375 0 1 0 0 .75zm-1.985 8.14 7.5-7.5-.53-.53-7.5 7.5zm6.86-7.765V6.5h.75V1.25zM3.5 1.625h5.25v-.75H3.5z"></path></svg></a><div class="ab q"><p class="bf b dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg du"><span><button class="bf b dx dy eh dz ea ei eb ec ej ek ee el em eg eo ep eq er es et eu ev ew ex ey ez fa fb fc fd bm fe ff" data-testid="headerSignUpButton">Sign up</button></span></p><div class="ax l"><p class="bf b dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg du"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerSignInButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?operation=login&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&source=post_page---top_nav_layout_nav-----------------------global_nav-----------" rel="noopener follow">Sign in</a></span></p></div></div></div><div class="p q r ab ac"><div class="ab q ae"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at ab" aria-label="Homepage" data-testid="headerMediumLogo" href="https://medium.com/?source=---top_nav_layout_nav----------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="719" height="160" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 719 160" class="au av aw"><path fill="#242424" d="m174.104 9.734.215-.047V8.02H130.39L89.6 103.89 48.81 8.021H1.472v1.666l.212.047c8.018 1.81 12.09 4.509 12.09 14.242V137.93c0 9.734-4.087 12.433-12.106 14.243l-.212.047v1.671h32.118v-1.665l-.213-.048c-8.018-1.809-12.089-4.509-12.089-14.242V30.586l52.399 123.305h2.972l53.925-126.743V140.75c-.687 7.688-4.721 10.062-11.982 11.701l-.215.05v1.652h55.948v-1.652l-.215-.05c-7.269-1.639-11.4-4.013-12.087-11.701l-.037-116.774h.037c0-9.733 4.071-12.432 12.087-14.242m25.555 75.488c.915-20.474 8.268-35.252 20.606-35.507 3.806.063 6.998 1.312 9.479 3.714 5.272 5.118 7.751 15.812 7.368 31.793zm-.553 5.77h65.573v-.275c-.186-15.656-4.721-27.834-13.466-36.196-7.559-7.227-18.751-11.203-30.507-11.203h-.263c-6.101 0-13.584 1.48-18.909 4.16-6.061 2.807-11.407 7.003-15.855 12.511-7.161 8.874-11.499 20.866-12.554 34.343q-.05.606-.092 1.212a50 50 0 0 0-.065 1.151 85.807 85.807 0 0 0-.094 5.689c.71 30.524 17.198 54.917 46.483 54.917 25.705 0 40.675-18.791 44.407-44.013l-1.886-.664c-6.557 13.556-18.334 21.771-31.738 20.769-18.297-1.369-32.314-19.922-31.042-42.395m139.722 41.359c-2.151 5.101-6.639 7.908-12.653 7.908s-11.513-4.129-15.418-11.63c-4.197-8.053-6.405-19.436-6.405-32.92 0-28.067 8.729-46.22 22.24-46.22 5.657 0 10.111 2.807 12.236 7.704zm43.499 20.008c-8.019-1.897-12.089-4.722-12.089-14.951V1.309l-48.716 14.353v1.757l.299-.024c6.72-.543 11.278.386 13.925 2.83 2.072 1.915 3.082 4.853 3.082 8.987v18.66c-4.803-3.067-10.516-4.56-17.448-4.56-14.059 0-26.909 5.92-36.176 16.672-9.66 11.205-14.767 26.518-14.767 44.278-.003 31.72 15.612 53.039 38.851 53.039 13.595 0 24.533-7.449 29.54-20.013v16.865h43.711v-1.746zM424.1 19.819c0-9.904-7.468-17.374-17.375-17.374-9.859 0-17.573 7.632-17.573 17.374s7.721 17.374 17.573 17.374c9.907 0 17.375-7.47 17.375-17.374m11.499 132.546c-8.019-1.897-12.089-4.722-12.089-14.951h-.035V43.635l-43.714 12.551v1.705l.263.024c9.458.842 12.047 4.1 12.047 15.152v81.086h43.751v-1.746zm112.013 0c-8.018-1.897-12.089-4.722-12.089-14.951V43.635l-41.621 12.137v1.71l.246.026c7.733.813 9.967 4.257 9.967 15.36v59.279c-2.578 5.102-7.415 8.131-13.274 8.336-9.503 0-14.736-6.419-14.736-18.073V43.638l-43.714 12.55v1.703l.262.024c9.459.84 12.05 4.097 12.05 15.152v50.17a56.3 56.3 0 0 0 .91 10.444l.787 3.423c3.701 13.262 13.398 20.197 28.59 20.197 12.868 0 24.147-7.966 29.115-20.43v17.311h43.714v-1.747zm169.818 1.788v-1.749l-.213-.05c-8.7-2.006-12.089-5.789-12.089-13.49v-63.79c0-19.89-11.171-31.761-29.883-31.761-13.64 0-25.141 7.882-29.569 20.16-3.517-13.01-13.639-20.16-28.606-20.16-13.146 0-23.449 6.938-27.869 18.657V43.643L545.487 55.68v1.715l.263.024c9.345.829 12.047 4.181 12.047 14.95v81.784h40.787v-1.746l-.215-.053c-6.941-1.631-9.181-4.606-9.181-12.239V66.998c1.836-4.289 5.537-9.37 12.853-9.37 9.086 0 13.692 6.296 13.692 18.697v77.828h40.797v-1.746l-.215-.053c-6.94-1.631-9.18-4.606-9.18-12.239V75.066a42 42 0 0 0-.578-7.26c1.947-4.661 5.86-10.177 13.475-10.177 9.214 0 13.691 6.114 13.691 18.696v77.828z"></path></svg></a><div class="ax h"><div class="ab ay az ba bb q bc bd"><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false" aria-describedby="searchResults" aria-labelledby="searchResults"></div><div class="bn bo ab"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M4.092 11.06a6.95 6.95 0 1 1 13.9 0 6.95 6.95 0 0 1-13.9 0m6.95-8.05a8.05 8.05 0 1 0 5.13 14.26l3.75 3.75a.56.56 0 1 0 .79-.79l-3.73-3.73A8.05 8.05 0 0 0 11.042 3z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></div><input role="combobox" aria-controls="searchResults" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="search" data-testid="headerSearchInput" tabindex="0" class="ay be bf bg z bh bi bj bk bl" placeholder="Search" value=""/></div></div></div><div class="h k w fg fh"><div class="fi ab"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerWriteButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2Fnew-story&source=---top_nav_layout_nav-----------------------new_post_topnav-----------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="bf b bg z du fj fk ab q fl fm"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="Write"><path fill="currentColor" d="M14 4a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1zm7 6a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0zm-7-7H4v1h10zM3 4v16h1V4zm1 17h16v-1H4zm17-1V10h-1v10zm-1 1a1 1 0 0 0 1-1h-1zM3 20a1 1 0 0 0 1 1v-1zM4 3a1 1 0 0 0-1 1h1z"></path><path stroke="currentColor" d="m17.5 4.5-8.458 8.458a.25.25 0 0 0-.06.098l-.824 2.47a.25.25 0 0 0 .316.316l2.47-.823a.25.25 0 0 0 .098-.06L19.5 6.5m-2-2 2.323-2.323a.25.25 0 0 1 .354 0l1.646 1.646a.25.25 0 0 1 0 .354L19.5 6.5m-2-2 2 2"></path></svg><div class="dt l">Write</div></div></a></span></div></div><div class="k j i d"><div class="fi ab"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerSearchButton" href="https://medium.com/search?source=---top_nav_layout_nav----------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="bf b bg z du fj fk ab q fl fm"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="Search"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M4.092 11.06a6.95 6.95 0 1 1 13.9 0 6.95 6.95 0 0 1-13.9 0m6.95-8.05a8.05 8.05 0 1 0 5.13 14.26l3.75 3.75a.56.56 0 1 0 .79-.79l-3.73-3.73A8.05 8.05 0 0 0 11.042 3z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></div></a></div></div><div class="fi h k j"><div class="ab q"><p class="bf b dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg du"><span><button class="bf b dx dy eh dz ea ei eb ec ej ek ee el em eg eo ep eq er es et eu ev ew ex ey ez fa fb fc fd bm fe ff" data-testid="headerSignUpButton">Sign up</button></span></p><div class="ax l"><p class="bf b dx dy dz ea eb ec ed ee ef eg du"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerSignInButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?operation=login&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&source=post_page---top_nav_layout_nav-----------------------global_nav-----------" rel="noopener follow">Sign in</a></span></p></div></div></div><div class="l" aria-hidden="false"><button class="ay fn am ab q ao fo fp fq" aria-label="user options menu" data-testid="headerUserIcon"><div class="l fj"><img alt="" class="l fd by bz ca cx" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:64:64/1*dmbNkD5D-u45r44go_cf0g.png" width="32" height="32" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/><div class="fr by l bz ca fs n ay ft"></div></div></button></div></div></div><div class="l"><div class="fu fv fw fx fy l"><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"></div></div><article><div class="l"><div class="l"><span class="l"></span><section><div><div class="fs gi gj gk gl gm"></div><div class="gn go gp gq gr"><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div><h1 id="b87a" class="pw-post-title gs gt gu bf gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf hg hh hi hj hk hl hm hn ho hp hq bk" data-testid="storyTitle">6 games every designer should play</h1></div><div><h2 id="ef95" class="pw-subtitle-paragraph hr gt gu bf b hs ht hu hv hw hx hy hz ia ib ic id ie if ig cq du">How video-games shape my approach to design and keep me sane</h2><div><div class="speechify-ignore ab cp"><div class="speechify-ignore bh l"><div class="ih ii ij ik il ab"><div><div class="ab im"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><a rel="noopener follow" href="/?source=post_page---byline--15ea942d553b--------------------------------"><div class="l in io by ip iq"><div class="l fj"><img alt="Ali Waris" class="l fd by dd de cx" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:88:88/1*9SVpCUFXNy3KWeEZ-1mdiQ.jpeg" width="44" height="44" loading="lazy" data-testid="authorPhoto"/><div class="ir by l dd de fs n is ft"></div></div></div></a></div></div></div></div><div class="bn bh l"><div class="ab"><div style="flex:1"><span class="bf b bg z bk"><div class="it ab q"><div class="ab q iu"><div class="ab q"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><p class="bf b iv iw bk"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar ix" data-testid="authorName" rel="noopener follow" href="/?source=post_page---byline--15ea942d553b--------------------------------">Ali Waris</a></p></div></div></div><span class="iy iz" aria-hidden="true"><span class="bf b bg z du">·</span></span><p class="bf b iv iw du"><span><a class="ja jb ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar ex jc jd" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fsubscribe%2Fuser%2F5a6346e2d848&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&user=Ali+Waris&userId=5a6346e2d848&source=post_page-5a6346e2d848--byline--15ea942d553b---------------------post_header-----------" rel="noopener follow">Follow</a></span></p></div></div></span></div></div><div class="l je"><span class="bf b bg z du"><div class="ab cn jf jg jh"><span class="bf b bg z du"><div class="ab ae"><span data-testid="storyReadTime">5 min read</span><div class="ji jj l" aria-hidden="true"><span class="l" aria-hidden="true"><span class="bf b bg z du">·</span></span></div>Just now</div></span></div></span></div></div></div><div class="ab cp jk jl jm jn jo jp jq jr js jt ju jv jw jx jy jz"><div class="h k w fg fh q"><div class="kp l"><div class="ab q kq kr"><div class="pw-multi-vote-icon fj ks kt ku kv"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerClapButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fvote%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&user=Ali+Waris&userId=5a6346e2d848&source=---header_actions--15ea942d553b---------------------clap_footer-----------" rel="noopener follow"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><div class="kw ao kx ky kz la am lb lc ld kv"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="clap"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M11.37.828 12 3.282l.63-2.454zM13.916 3.953l1.523-2.112-1.184-.39zM8.589 1.84l1.522 2.112-.337-2.501zM18.523 18.92c-.86.86-1.75 1.246-2.62 1.33a6 6 0 0 0 .407-.372c2.388-2.389 2.86-4.951 1.399-7.623l-.912-1.603-.79-1.672c-.26-.56-.194-.98.203-1.288a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.546.231.728.5l2.363 4.157c.976 1.624 1.141 4.237-1.324 6.702m-10.999-.438L3.37 14.328a.828.828 0 0 1 .585-1.408.83.83 0 0 1 .585.242l2.158 2.157a.365.365 0 0 0 .516-.516l-2.157-2.158-1.449-1.449a.826.826 0 0 1 1.167-1.17l3.438 3.44a.363.363 0 0 0 .516 0 .364.364 0 0 0 0-.516L5.293 9.513l-.97-.97a.826.826 0 0 1 0-1.166.84.84 0 0 1 1.167 0l.97.968 3.437 3.436a.36.36 0 0 0 .517 0 .366.366 0 0 0 0-.516L6.977 7.83a.82.82 0 0 1-.241-.584.82.82 0 0 1 .824-.826c.219 0 .43.087.584.242l5.787 5.787a.366.366 0 0 0 .587-.415l-1.117-2.363c-.26-.56-.194-.98.204-1.289a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.545.232.727.501l2.193 3.86c1.302 2.38.883 4.59-1.277 6.75-1.156 1.156-2.602 1.627-4.19 1.367-1.418-.236-2.866-1.033-4.079-2.246M10.75 5.971l2.12 2.12c-.41.502-.465 1.17-.128 1.89l.22.465-3.523-3.523a.8.8 0 0 1-.097-.368c0-.22.086-.428.241-.584a.847.847 0 0 1 1.167 0m7.355 1.705c-.31-.461-.746-.758-1.23-.837a1.44 1.44 0 0 0-1.11.275c-.312.24-.505.543-.59.881a1.74 1.74 0 0 0-.906-.465 1.47 1.47 0 0 0-.82.106l-2.182-2.182a1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.2 0 1.54 1.54 0 0 0-.396.701 1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.21-.01 1.55 1.55 0 0 0-.416.753c-.624-.624-1.649-.624-2.237-.037a1.557 1.557 0 0 0 0 2.2c-.239.1-.501.238-.715.453a1.56 1.56 0 0 0 0 2.2l.516.515a1.556 1.556 0 0 0-.753 2.615L7.01 19c1.32 1.319 2.909 2.189 4.475 2.449q.482.08.971.08c.85 0 1.653-.198 2.393-.579.231.033.46.054.686.054 1.266 0 2.457-.52 3.505-1.567 2.763-2.763 2.552-5.734 1.439-7.586z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></div></div></div></a></span></div><div class="pw-multi-vote-count l le lf lg lh li lj lk"><p class="bf b dv z du"><span class="ll">--</span></p></div></div></div><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><button class="ao kw lm ln ab q fk lo lp" aria-label="responses"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" class="lq"><path d="M18.006 16.803c1.533-1.456 2.234-3.325 2.234-5.321C20.24 7.357 16.709 4 12.191 4S4 7.357 4 11.482c0 4.126 3.674 7.482 8.191 7.482.817 0 1.622-.111 2.393-.327.231.2.48.391.744.559 1.06.693 2.203 1.044 3.399 1.044.224-.008.4-.112.486-.287a.49.49 0 0 0-.042-.518c-.495-.67-.845-1.364-1.04-2.057a4 4 0 0 1-.125-.598zm-3.122 1.055-.067-.223-.315.096a8 8 0 0 1-2.311.338c-4.023 0-7.292-2.955-7.292-6.587 0-3.633 3.269-6.588 7.292-6.588 4.014 0 7.112 2.958 7.112 6.593 0 1.794-.608 3.469-2.027 4.72l-.195.168v.255c0 .056 0 .151.016.295.025.231.081.478.154.733.154.558.398 1.117.722 1.659a5.3 5.3 0 0 1-2.165-.845c-.276-.176-.714-.383-.941-.59z"></path></svg></button></div></div></div><div class="ab q ka kb kc kd ke kf kg kh ki kj kk kl km kn ko"><div class="lr k j i d"></div><div class="h k"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="headerBookmarkButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fbookmark%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&source=---header_actions--15ea942d553b---------------------bookmark_footer-----------" rel="noopener follow"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="25" height="25" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 25 25" class="du ls" aria-label="Add to list bookmark button"><path fill="currentColor" d="M18 2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 1 0V5h2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 0 1H19v2.5a.5.5 0 1 1-1 0V6h-2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 0-1H18zM7 7a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h3.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H8a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v14a.5.5 0 0 0 .805.396L12.5 17l5.695 4.396A.5.5 0 0 0 19 21v-8.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v7.485l-5.195-4.012a.5.5 0 0 0-.61 0L7 19.985z"></path></svg></a></span></div></div></div><div class="fd lt cn"><div class="l ae"><div class="ab cb"><div class="lu lv lw lx ly lz ci bh"><div class="ab"><div class="bm bh" aria-hidden="false"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><button aria-label="Listen" data-testid="audioPlayButton" class="af fk ah ai aj ak al ma an ao ap ex mb mc lp md me mf mg mh s mi mj mk ml mm mn mo u mp mq mr"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M3 12a9 9 0 1 1 18 0 9 9 0 0 1-18 0m9-10C6.477 2 2 6.477 2 12s4.477 10 10 10 10-4.477 10-10S17.523 2 12 2m3.376 10.416-4.599 3.066a.5.5 0 0 1-.777-.416V8.934a.5.5 0 0 1 .777-.416l4.599 3.066a.5.5 0 0 1 0 .832" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg><div class="j i d"><p class="bf b bg z du">Listen</p></div></button></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false" aria-describedby="postFooterSocialMenu" aria-labelledby="postFooterSocialMenu"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><button aria-controls="postFooterSocialMenu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Share Post" data-testid="headerSocialShareButton" class="af fk ah ai aj ak al ma an ao ap ex mb mc lp md me mf mg mh s mi mj mk ml mm mn mo u mp mq mr"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15.218 4.931a.4.4 0 0 1-.118.132l.012.006a.45.45 0 0 1-.292.074.5.5 0 0 1-.3-.13l-2.02-2.02v7.07c0 .28-.23.5-.5.5s-.5-.22-.5-.5v-7.04l-2 2a.45.45 0 0 1-.57.04h-.02a.4.4 0 0 1-.16-.3.4.4 0 0 1 .1-.32l2.8-2.8a.5.5 0 0 1 .7 0l2.8 2.79a.42.42 0 0 1 .068.498m-.106.138.008.004v-.01zM16 7.063h1.5a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v10a2 2 0 0 1-2 2h-11c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2v-10a2 2 0 0 1 2-2H8a.5.5 0 0 1 .35.15.5.5 0 0 1 .15.35.5.5 0 0 1-.15.35.5.5 0 0 1-.35.15H6.4c-.5 0-.9.4-.9.9v10.2a.9.9 0 0 0 .9.9h11.2c.5 0 .9-.4.9-.9v-10.2c0-.5-.4-.9-.9-.9H16a.5.5 0 0 1 0-1" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg><div class="j i d"><p class="bf b bg z du">Share</p></div></button></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="ms bh"><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms bh paragraph-image"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:4800/format:webp/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 4800w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 100vw" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:4800/1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg 4800w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 100vw"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="2400" height="1260" loading="eager" role="presentation"/></picture></figure></div><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><p id="b655" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">The bell rings, and I run toward the iconic “Dabba” — a box in every sense of the word. Awaiting me is the Suzuki Bolan, mankind’s cruelest attempt at a pick-and-drop van. Designed for five but jammed with twenty-plus kids, it was a rolling sweat lodge on wheels. Karachi’s blistering summers turned it into a human oven. Where we stewed, scratched, and suffered in silence. I’d fantasize about home.</p><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw nx"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="280" loading="eager" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="7a51" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Home wasn’t perfect though, but it had one saving grace — video games. They were my sanctuary, portals to other worlds far removed from the chaos around me. I grew up in a single-parent household. I struggled to string sentences together, let alone find comfort in people. But then came <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Half-Life</em></strong>. I still remember the monorail sequence through Black Mesa, it blew me away. It wasn’t just a game — it was magic for me.</p><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw nx"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="280" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="5f4f" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Of course, I got hooked. Really hooked. I poured hours into <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Skyrim</em></strong>, devouring its books. I read every terminal entry in <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">New Vegas</em></strong> like they held life’s secrets. <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Doom II</em></strong> was my rage therapy — a pixelated punch to my insecurities. And then there was <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Red Dead Redemption</em></strong>, a masterpiece that stirred something deep within me.</p><p id="7b80" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Lately, I’ve dusted off my old gaming rig, slipping back into those familiar habits. Games like <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Disco Elysium</em></strong>, <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Firewatch</em></strong>, and <strong class="nb gv"><em class="oc">Return of the Obra Dinn</em></strong> reminded me how much designers — of anything, really — can learn from these crafted experiences. These developers have created worlds so rich and real. These games demand your focus, your curiosity. They teach you to observe, to think, to connect the dots. And isn’t that good for the brain?</p><p id="c6f0" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">So, I’m curating a list — a list for designers who want to explore video-games. A way to explore characters, worlds, and narratives that might just teach us something about our craft, and maybe even about ourselves.</p><h2 id="0ba3" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">Disco Elysium</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="3e33" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">This game has so much depth — it’s a journey that pulls you in from the first moment and keeps surprising you. It taught me how to use my inner voice as a designer, how to solve conflicts, and how to interact with people as layered, complex beings. Every conversation in this game feels alive, revealing how much you can learn by talking to individuals based on who they are and what they bring to the world. There’s so much to absorb here that it’ll leave a mark on how you design experiences.</p><h2 id="bc9d" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">Portal & Portal 2</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="ddf0" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">This is the gold standard. From the flawless feedback loops to the way it onboards players seamlessly, it’s a masterclass in crafting logical, intuitive systems. Every interaction feels so intentional, and as a designer, you can’t help but marvel at how carefully the entire experience is pieced together. It’s an awe-inspiring journey, and there’s no better way to learn about designing for clarity and flow.</p><h2 id="ba43" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">New Vegas</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="cb8d" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">God, where do I even begin? The characters, the setting, the endless replay value — it’s an odyssey through a post-apocalyptic world that always feels alive. This game taught me how to listen and communicate, how to make choices that carry weight, and how to design systems that let players forge their own paths. For designers, New Vegas offers a masterclass in layering depth into every interaction while maintaining the freedom of discovery.</p><h2 id="8d87" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">Return of the Obra Dinn</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="c4d6" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Obra Dinn is a designer’s dream for studying discovery and emergent problem-solving. It’s all about trust — uncovering layers of clues and piece things together. It’s a masterclass in designing systems where each solution feels earned, and the process of solving becomes the reward.</p><h2 id="25e4" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">Inside</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="06e5" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Inside is proof that simplicity can be powerful. The stripped-down design evokes emotions with no words, no fluff — just pure, focused experience. It taught me to cut away distractions and zero in on what really matters. Plus, it’s packed with clever puzzles that subtly challenge you, keeping the experience engaging without breaking its flow.</p><h2 id="4334" class="od oe gu bf of og oh dy oi oj ok ea ol ni om on oo nm op oq or nq os ot ou ov bk">Firewatch</h2><figure class="mt mu mv mw mx ms nv nw paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="ny nz fj oa bh ob"><div class="nv nw ow"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh lz my c" width="700" height="262" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div></figure><p id="ecd9" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">This game is what I mean by “portals to other worlds.” It pulls you into its unfolding mysteries and grows with every step you take. The interplay between environment and voice-driven narrative creates an emotional connection that few games achieve. It’s a study in building tension and trust through storytelling, teaching designers how to keep users invested as the narrative deepens.</p></div></div></div><div class="ab cb ox oy oz pa" role="separator"><span class="pb by bm pc pd pe"></span><span class="pb by bm pc pd pe"></span><span class="pb by bm pc pd"></span></div><div class="gn go gp gq gr"><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><p id="fa1a" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">So, if you’re a designer searching for fresh ideas or new ways to approach your craft, give these games a shot. They’ll teach you things you won’t find in any manual, and they might just change the way you see the world — and your work.</p><p id="d753" class="pw-post-body-paragraph mz na gu nb b hs nc nd ne hv nf ng nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu gn bk">Pick one. Start. The journey’s worth it.</p></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></article></div><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="pf pg ab jh"><div class="ph ab"><a class="pi ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/design?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pj fj cx pk ge pl pm bf b bg z bk pn">Design</div></a></div><div class="ph ab"><a class="pi ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/design-thinking?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pj fj cx pk ge pl pm bf b bg z bk pn">Design Thinking</div></a></div><div class="ph ab"><a class="pi ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/ux?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pj fj cx pk ge pl pm bf b bg z bk pn">UX</div></a></div><div class="ph ab"><a class="pi ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/games?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pj fj cx pk ge pl pm bf b bg z bk pn">Games</div></a></div><div class="ph ab"><a class="pi ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/videogames?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pj fj cx pk ge pl pm bf b bg z bk pn">Videogames</div></a></div></div></div></div><div class="l"></div><footer class="po oy pp pq pr ab q ps pt c"><div class="l ae"><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="ab cp pu"><div class="ab q kq"><div class="pv l"><span class="l pw px py e d"><div class="ab q kq kr"><div class="pw-multi-vote-icon fj ks kt ku kv"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="footerClapButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fvote%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&user=Ali+Waris&userId=5a6346e2d848&source=---footer_actions--15ea942d553b---------------------clap_footer-----------" rel="noopener follow"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><div class="kw ao kx ky kz la am lb lc ld kv"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="clap"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M11.37.828 12 3.282l.63-2.454zM13.916 3.953l1.523-2.112-1.184-.39zM8.589 1.84l1.522 2.112-.337-2.501zM18.523 18.92c-.86.86-1.75 1.246-2.62 1.33a6 6 0 0 0 .407-.372c2.388-2.389 2.86-4.951 1.399-7.623l-.912-1.603-.79-1.672c-.26-.56-.194-.98.203-1.288a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.546.231.728.5l2.363 4.157c.976 1.624 1.141 4.237-1.324 6.702m-10.999-.438L3.37 14.328a.828.828 0 0 1 .585-1.408.83.83 0 0 1 .585.242l2.158 2.157a.365.365 0 0 0 .516-.516l-2.157-2.158-1.449-1.449a.826.826 0 0 1 1.167-1.17l3.438 3.44a.363.363 0 0 0 .516 0 .364.364 0 0 0 0-.516L5.293 9.513l-.97-.97a.826.826 0 0 1 0-1.166.84.84 0 0 1 1.167 0l.97.968 3.437 3.436a.36.36 0 0 0 .517 0 .366.366 0 0 0 0-.516L6.977 7.83a.82.82 0 0 1-.241-.584.82.82 0 0 1 .824-.826c.219 0 .43.087.584.242l5.787 5.787a.366.366 0 0 0 .587-.415l-1.117-2.363c-.26-.56-.194-.98.204-1.289a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.545.232.727.501l2.193 3.86c1.302 2.38.883 4.59-1.277 6.75-1.156 1.156-2.602 1.627-4.19 1.367-1.418-.236-2.866-1.033-4.079-2.246M10.75 5.971l2.12 2.12c-.41.502-.465 1.17-.128 1.89l.22.465-3.523-3.523a.8.8 0 0 1-.097-.368c0-.22.086-.428.241-.584a.847.847 0 0 1 1.167 0m7.355 1.705c-.31-.461-.746-.758-1.23-.837a1.44 1.44 0 0 0-1.11.275c-.312.24-.505.543-.59.881a1.74 1.74 0 0 0-.906-.465 1.47 1.47 0 0 0-.82.106l-2.182-2.182a1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.2 0 1.54 1.54 0 0 0-.396.701 1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.21-.01 1.55 1.55 0 0 0-.416.753c-.624-.624-1.649-.624-2.237-.037a1.557 1.557 0 0 0 0 2.2c-.239.1-.501.238-.715.453a1.56 1.56 0 0 0 0 2.2l.516.515a1.556 1.556 0 0 0-.753 2.615L7.01 19c1.32 1.319 2.909 2.189 4.475 2.449q.482.08.971.08c.85 0 1.653-.198 2.393-.579.231.033.46.054.686.054 1.266 0 2.457-.52 3.505-1.567 2.763-2.763 2.552-5.734 1.439-7.586z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></div></div></div></a></span></div><div class="pw-multi-vote-count l le lf lg lh li lj lk"><p class="bf b dv z du"><span class="ll">--</span></p></div></div></span><span class="l h g f pz qa"><div class="ab q kq kr"><div class="pw-multi-vote-icon fj ks kt ku kv"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="footerClapButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fvote%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&user=Ali+Waris&userId=5a6346e2d848&source=---footer_actions--15ea942d553b---------------------clap_footer-----------" rel="noopener follow"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><div class="kw ao kx ky kz la am lb lc ld kv"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="clap"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M11.37.828 12 3.282l.63-2.454zM13.916 3.953l1.523-2.112-1.184-.39zM8.589 1.84l1.522 2.112-.337-2.501zM18.523 18.92c-.86.86-1.75 1.246-2.62 1.33a6 6 0 0 0 .407-.372c2.388-2.389 2.86-4.951 1.399-7.623l-.912-1.603-.79-1.672c-.26-.56-.194-.98.203-1.288a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.546.231.728.5l2.363 4.157c.976 1.624 1.141 4.237-1.324 6.702m-10.999-.438L3.37 14.328a.828.828 0 0 1 .585-1.408.83.83 0 0 1 .585.242l2.158 2.157a.365.365 0 0 0 .516-.516l-2.157-2.158-1.449-1.449a.826.826 0 0 1 1.167-1.17l3.438 3.44a.363.363 0 0 0 .516 0 .364.364 0 0 0 0-.516L5.293 9.513l-.97-.97a.826.826 0 0 1 0-1.166.84.84 0 0 1 1.167 0l.97.968 3.437 3.436a.36.36 0 0 0 .517 0 .366.366 0 0 0 0-.516L6.977 7.83a.82.82 0 0 1-.241-.584.82.82 0 0 1 .824-.826c.219 0 .43.087.584.242l5.787 5.787a.366.366 0 0 0 .587-.415l-1.117-2.363c-.26-.56-.194-.98.204-1.289a.7.7 0 0 1 .546-.132c.283.046.545.232.727.501l2.193 3.86c1.302 2.38.883 4.59-1.277 6.75-1.156 1.156-2.602 1.627-4.19 1.367-1.418-.236-2.866-1.033-4.079-2.246M10.75 5.971l2.12 2.12c-.41.502-.465 1.17-.128 1.89l.22.465-3.523-3.523a.8.8 0 0 1-.097-.368c0-.22.086-.428.241-.584a.847.847 0 0 1 1.167 0m7.355 1.705c-.31-.461-.746-.758-1.23-.837a1.44 1.44 0 0 0-1.11.275c-.312.24-.505.543-.59.881a1.74 1.74 0 0 0-.906-.465 1.47 1.47 0 0 0-.82.106l-2.182-2.182a1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.2 0 1.54 1.54 0 0 0-.396.701 1.56 1.56 0 0 0-2.21-.01 1.55 1.55 0 0 0-.416.753c-.624-.624-1.649-.624-2.237-.037a1.557 1.557 0 0 0 0 2.2c-.239.1-.501.238-.715.453a1.56 1.56 0 0 0 0 2.2l.516.515a1.556 1.556 0 0 0-.753 2.615L7.01 19c1.32 1.319 2.909 2.189 4.475 2.449q.482.08.971.08c.85 0 1.653-.198 2.393-.579.231.033.46.054.686.054 1.266 0 2.457-.52 3.505-1.567 2.763-2.763 2.552-5.734 1.439-7.586z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></div></div></div></a></span></div><div class="pw-multi-vote-count l le lf lg lh li lj lk"><p class="bf b dv z du"><span class="ll">--</span></p></div></div></span></div><div class="bq ab"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><button class="ao kw lm ln ab q fk lo lp" aria-label="responses"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" class="lq"><path d="M18.006 16.803c1.533-1.456 2.234-3.325 2.234-5.321C20.24 7.357 16.709 4 12.191 4S4 7.357 4 11.482c0 4.126 3.674 7.482 8.191 7.482.817 0 1.622-.111 2.393-.327.231.2.48.391.744.559 1.06.693 2.203 1.044 3.399 1.044.224-.008.4-.112.486-.287a.49.49 0 0 0-.042-.518c-.495-.67-.845-1.364-1.04-2.057a4 4 0 0 1-.125-.598zm-3.122 1.055-.067-.223-.315.096a8 8 0 0 1-2.311.338c-4.023 0-7.292-2.955-7.292-6.587 0-3.633 3.269-6.588 7.292-6.588 4.014 0 7.112 2.958 7.112 6.593 0 1.794-.608 3.469-2.027 4.72l-.195.168v.255c0 .056 0 .151.016.295.025.231.081.478.154.733.154.558.398 1.117.722 1.659a5.3 5.3 0 0 1-2.165-.845c-.276-.176-.714-.383-.941-.59z"></path></svg></button></div></div></div></div><div class="ab q"><div class="pe l je"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" data-testid="footerBookmarkButton" href="https://medium.com/m/signin?actionUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F_%2Fbookmark%2Fp%2F15ea942d553b&operation=register&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fthealiwaris.medium.com%2F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b&source=---footer_actions--15ea942d553b---------------------bookmark_footer-----------" rel="noopener follow"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="25" height="25" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 25 25" class="du ls" aria-label="Add to list bookmark button"><path fill="currentColor" d="M18 2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 1 0V5h2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 0 1H19v2.5a.5.5 0 1 1-1 0V6h-2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 0-1H18zM7 7a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h3.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H8a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v14a.5.5 0 0 0 .805.396L12.5 17l5.695 4.396A.5.5 0 0 0 19 21v-8.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v7.485l-5.195-4.012a.5.5 0 0 0-.61 0L7 19.985z"></path></svg></a></span></div></div></div><div class="pe l je"><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false" aria-describedby="postFooterSocialMenu" aria-labelledby="postFooterSocialMenu"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><button aria-controls="postFooterSocialMenu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Share Post" data-testid="footerSocialShareButton" class="af fk ah ai aj ak al ma an ao ap ex mb mc lp md"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15.218 4.931a.4.4 0 0 1-.118.132l.012.006a.45.45 0 0 1-.292.074.5.5 0 0 1-.3-.13l-2.02-2.02v7.07c0 .28-.23.5-.5.5s-.5-.22-.5-.5v-7.04l-2 2a.45.45 0 0 1-.57.04h-.02a.4.4 0 0 1-.16-.3.4.4 0 0 1 .1-.32l2.8-2.8a.5.5 0 0 1 .7 0l2.8 2.79a.42.42 0 0 1 .068.498m-.106.138.008.004v-.01zM16 7.063h1.5a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v10a2 2 0 0 1-2 2h-11c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2v-10a2 2 0 0 1 2-2H8a.5.5 0 0 1 .35.15.5.5 0 0 1 .15.35.5.5 0 0 1-.15.35.5.5 0 0 1-.35.15H6.4c-.5 0-.9.4-.9.9v10.2a.9.9 0 0 0 .9.9h11.2c.5 0 .9-.4.9-.9v-10.2c0-.5-.4-.9-.9-.9H16a.5.5 0 0 1 0-1" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></button></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></footer><div class="qb qc qd qe qf l"><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="qg bh r qh"></div><div class="ab qi qj qk jg jf"><div class="ql qm qn qo qp qq qr qs qt qu ab cp"><div class="h k"><a tabindex="0" rel="noopener follow" href="/?source=post_page---post_author_info--15ea942d553b--------------------------------"><div class="l fj"><img alt="Ali Waris" class="l fd by io in cx" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:96:96/1*9SVpCUFXNy3KWeEZ-1mdiQ.jpeg" width="48" height="48" loading="lazy"/><div class="fr by l io in fs n ay qv"></div></div></a></div><div class="j i d"><a tabindex="0" rel="noopener follow" href="/?source=post_page---post_author_info--15ea942d553b--------------------------------"><div class="l fj"><img alt="Ali Waris" class="l fd by qw qx cx" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:128:128/1*9SVpCUFXNy3KWeEZ-1mdiQ.jpeg" width="64" height="64" loading="lazy"/><div class="fr by l qw qx fs n ay qv"></div></div></a></div><div class="j i d qy je"><div class="ab"><span><button class="bf b bg z qz pj ra rb rc rd re ev ew rf rg rh fa fb fc fd bm fe ff">Follow</button></span></div></div></div><div class="ab co ri"><div class="rj rk rl rm rn l"><a class="af ag ah aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at ab q" rel="noopener follow" href="/?source=post_page---post_author_info--15ea942d553b--------------------------------"><h2 class="pw-author-name bf rp rq rr rs rt ru rv ni on oo nm oq or nq ot ou bk"><span class="gn ro">Written by Ali Waris</span></h2></a><div class="ph ab im"><div class="l je"><span class="pw-follower-count bf b bg z du"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar ix" rel="noopener follow" href="/followers?source=post_page---post_author_info--15ea942d553b--------------------------------">10 Followers</a></span></div><div class="bf b bg z du ab rw"><span class="iy l" aria-hidden="true"><span class="bf b bg z du">·</span></span><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar ix" rel="noopener follow" href="/following?source=post_page---post_author_info--15ea942d553b--------------------------------">4 Following</a></div></div><div class="rx l"><p class="bf b bg z bk"><span class="gn">Desigining languages between people and products</span></p></div></div></div><div class="h k"><div class="ab"><span><button class="bf b bg z qz pj ra rb rc rd re ev ew rf rg rh fa fb fc fd bm fe ff">Follow</button></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="ry l"><div class="qg bh r rz sa sb sc sd"></div><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="ab q cp"><h2 class="bf rp se hu oi sf hx ol sg sh si sj sk sl sm sn so bk">No responses yet</h2><div class="ab sp"><div><div class="bm" aria-hidden="false"><a class="sq sr" href="https://policy.medium.com/medium-rules-30e5502c4eb4?source=post_page---post_responses--15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow" target="_blank"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 25 25"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M11.987 5.036a.754.754 0 0 1 .914-.01c.972.721 1.767 1.218 2.6 1.543.828.322 1.719.485 2.887.505a.755.755 0 0 1 .741.757c-.018 3.623-.43 6.256-1.449 8.21-1.034 1.984-2.662 3.209-4.966 4.083a.75.75 0 0 1-.537-.003c-2.243-.874-3.858-2.095-4.897-4.074-1.024-1.951-1.457-4.583-1.476-8.216a.755.755 0 0 1 .741-.757c1.195-.02 2.1-.182 2.923-.503.827-.322 1.6-.815 2.519-1.535m.468.903c-.897.69-1.717 1.21-2.623 1.564-.898.35-1.856.527-3.026.565.037 3.45.469 5.817 1.36 7.515.884 1.684 2.25 2.762 4.284 3.571 2.092-.81 3.465-1.89 4.344-3.575.886-1.698 1.299-4.065 1.334-7.512-1.149-.039-2.091-.217-2.99-.567-.906-.353-1.745-.873-2.683-1.561m-.009 9.155a2.672 2.672 0 1 0 0-5.344 2.672 2.672 0 0 0 0 5.344m0 1a3.672 3.672 0 1 0 0-7.344 3.672 3.672 0 0 0 0 7.344m-1.813-3.777.525-.526.916.917 1.623-1.625.526.526-2.149 2.152z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="ss st su sv sw l bx"><div class="h k j"><div class="qg bh sx sy"></div><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="sz ab kq jh"><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://help.medium.com/hc/en-us?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Help</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://medium.statuspage.io/?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Status</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://medium.com/about?autoplay=1&source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">About</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://medium.com/jobs-at-medium/work-at-medium-959d1a85284e?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Careers</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="pressinquiries@medium.com?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Press</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://blog.medium.com/?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Blog</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://policy.medium.com/medium-privacy-policy-f03bf92035c9?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Privacy</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://policy.medium.com/medium-terms-of-service-9db0094a1e0f?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Terms</p></a></div><div class="ta tb l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://speechify.com/medium?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Text to speech</p></a></div><div class="ta l"><a class="af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at" href="https://medium.com/business?source=post_page-----15ea942d553b--------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><p class="bf b dv z du">Teams</p></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><script>window.__BUILD_ID__="main-20241122-113132-8acd8ed22d"</script><script>window.__GRAPHQL_URI__ = "https://thealiwaris.medium.com/_/graphql"</script><script>window.__PRELOADED_STATE__ = {"algolia":{"queries":{}},"cache":{"experimentGroupSet":true,"reason":"","group":"enabled","tags":["group-edgeCachePosts","post-15ea942d553b","user-5a6346e2d848"],"serverVariantState":"44136fa355b3678a1146ad16f7e8649e94fb4fc21fe77e8310c060f61caaff8a","middlewareEnabled":true,"cacheStatus":"DYNAMIC","shouldUseCache":true,"vary":[],"lohpSummerUpsellEnabled":false,"publicationHierarchyEnabledWeb":false,"postBottomResponsesEnabled":false},"client":{"hydrated":false,"isUs":false,"isNativeMedium":false,"isSafariMobile":false,"isSafari":false,"isFirefox":false,"routingEntity":{"type":"USER","id":"5a6346e2d848","explicit":true},"viewerIsBot":false},"debug":{"requestId":"8796b565-519f-4add-ac5e-2b0573bdc8c3","hybridDevServices":[],"originalSpanCarrier":{"traceparent":"00-4ecc1ccd559bea31bd49a4ce8bc33506-e604ae7c94d2531b-01"}},"multiVote":{"clapsPerPost":{}},"navigation":{"branch":{"show":null,"hasRendered":null,"blockedByCTA":false},"hideGoogleOneTap":false,"hasRenderedAlternateUserBanner":null,"currentLocation":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com\u002F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b","host":"thealiwaris.medium.com","hostname":"thealiwaris.medium.com","referrer":"","hasSetReferrer":false,"susiModal":{"step":null,"operation":"register"},"postRead":false,"partnerProgram":{"selectedCountryCode":null},"queryString":"","currentHash":""},"config":{"nodeEnv":"production","version":"main-20241122-113132-8acd8ed22d","target":"production","productName":"Medium","publicUrl":"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn-client.medium.com\u002Flite","authDomain":"medium.com","authGoogleClientId":"216296035834-k1k6qe060s2tp2a2jam4ljdcms00sttg.apps.googleusercontent.com","favicon":"production","glyphUrl":"https:\u002F\u002Fglyph.medium.com","branchKey":"key_live_ofxXr2qTrrU9NqURK8ZwEhknBxiI6KBm","algolia":{"appId":"MQ57UUUQZ2","apiKeySearch":"394474ced050e3911ae2249ecc774921","indexPrefix":"medium_","host":"-dsn.algolia.net"},"recaptchaKey":"6Lfc37IUAAAAAKGGtC6rLS13R1Hrw_BqADfS1LRk","recaptcha3Key":"6Lf8R9wUAAAAABMI_85Wb8melS7Zj6ziuf99Yot5","recaptchaEnterpriseKeyId":"6Le-uGgpAAAAAPprRaokM8AKthQ9KNGdoxaGUvVp","datadog":{"applicationId":"6702d87d-a7e0-42fe-bbcb-95b469547ea0","clientToken":"pub853ea8d17ad6821d9f8f11861d23dfed","rumToken":"pubf9cc52896502b9413b68ba36fc0c7162","context":{"deployment":{"target":"production","tag":"main-20241122-113132-8acd8ed22d","commit":"8acd8ed22d5c321cc4781d785f8fa87c9533553d"}},"datacenter":"us"},"googleAnalyticsCode":"G-7JY7T788PK","googlePay":{"apiVersion":"2","apiVersionMinor":"0","merchantId":"BCR2DN6TV7EMTGBM","merchantName":"Medium","instanceMerchantId":"13685562959212738550"},"applePay":{"version":3},"signInWallCustomDomainCollectionIds":["3a8144eabfe3","336d898217ee","61061eb0c96b","138adf9c44c","819cc2aaeee0"],"mediumMastodonDomainName":"me.dm","mediumOwnedAndOperatedCollectionIds":["8a9336e5bb4","b7e45b22fec3","193b68bd4fba","8d6b8a439e32","54c98c43354d","3f6ecf56618","d944778ce714","92d2092dc598","ae2a65f35510","1285ba81cada","544c7006046e","fc8964313712","40187e704f1c","88d9857e584e","7b6769f2748b","bcc38c8f6edf","cef6983b292","cb8577c9149e","444d13b52878","713d7dbc99b0","ef8e90590e66","191186aaafa0","55760f21cdc5","9dc80918cc93","bdc4052bbdba","8ccfed20cbb2"],"tierOneDomains":["medium.com","thebolditalic.com","arcdigital.media","towardsdatascience.com","uxdesign.cc","codeburst.io","psiloveyou.xyz","writingcooperative.com","entrepreneurshandbook.co","prototypr.io","betterhumans.coach.me","theascent.pub"],"topicsToFollow":["d61cf867d93f","8a146bc21b28","1eca0103fff3","4d562ee63426","aef1078a3ef5","e15e46793f8d","6158eb913466","55f1c20aba7a","3d18b94f6858","4861fee224fd","63c6f1f93ee","1d98b3a9a871","decb52b64abf","ae5d4995e225","830cded25262"],"topicToTagMappings":{"accessibility":"accessibility","addiction":"addiction","android-development":"android-development","art":"art","artificial-intelligence":"artificial-intelligence","astrology":"astrology","basic-income":"basic-income","beauty":"beauty","biotech":"biotech","blockchain":"blockchain","books":"books","business":"business","cannabis":"cannabis","cities":"cities","climate-change":"climate-change","comics":"comics","coronavirus":"coronavirus","creativity":"creativity","cryptocurrency":"cryptocurrency","culture":"culture","cybersecurity":"cybersecurity","data-science":"data-science","design":"design","digital-life":"digital-life","disability":"disability","economy":"economy","education":"education","equality":"equality","family":"family","feminism":"feminism","fiction":"fiction","film":"film","fitness":"fitness","food":"food","freelancing":"freelancing","future":"future","gadgets":"gadgets","gaming":"gaming","gun-control":"gun-control","health":"health","history":"history","humor":"humor","immigration":"immigration","ios-development":"ios-development","javascript":"javascript","justice":"justice","language":"language","leadership":"leadership","lgbtqia":"lgbtqia","lifestyle":"lifestyle","machine-learning":"machine-learning","makers":"makers","marketing":"marketing","math":"math","media":"media","mental-health":"mental-health","mindfulness":"mindfulness","money":"money","music":"music","neuroscience":"neuroscience","nonfiction":"nonfiction","outdoors":"outdoors","parenting":"parenting","pets":"pets","philosophy":"philosophy","photography":"photography","podcasts":"podcast","poetry":"poetry","politics":"politics","privacy":"privacy","product-management":"product-management","productivity":"productivity","programming":"programming","psychedelics":"psychedelics","psychology":"psychology","race":"race","relationships":"relationships","religion":"religion","remote-work":"remote-work","san-francisco":"san-francisco","science":"science","self":"self","self-driving-cars":"self-driving-cars","sexuality":"sexuality","social-media":"social-media","society":"society","software-engineering":"software-engineering","space":"space","spirituality":"spirituality","sports":"sports","startups":"startup","style":"style","technology":"technology","transportation":"transportation","travel":"travel","true-crime":"true-crime","tv":"tv","ux":"ux","venture-capital":"venture-capital","visual-design":"visual-design","work":"work","world":"world","writing":"writing"},"defaultImages":{"avatar":{"imageId":"1*dmbNkD5D-u45r44go_cf0g.png","height":150,"width":150},"orgLogo":{"imageId":"7*V1_7XP4snlmqrc_0Njontw.png","height":110,"width":500},"postLogo":{"imageId":"bd978bb536350a710e8efb012513429cabdc4c28700604261aeda246d0f980b7","height":810,"width":1440},"postPreviewImage":{"imageId":"1*hn4v1tCaJy7cWMyb0bpNpQ.png","height":386,"width":579}},"collectionStructuredData":{"8d6b8a439e32":{"name":"Elemental","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn-images-1.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F980\u002F1*9ygdqoKprhwuTVKUM0DLPA@2x.png","width":980,"height":159}}},"3f6ecf56618":{"name":"Forge","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn-images-1.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F596\u002F1*uULpIlImcO5TDuBZ6lm7Lg@2x.png","width":596,"height":183}}},"ae2a65f35510":{"name":"GEN","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F264\u002F1*RdVZMdvfV3YiZTw6mX7yWA.png","width":264,"height":140}}},"88d9857e584e":{"name":"LEVEL","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F540\u002F1*JqYMhNX6KNNb2UlqGqO2WQ.png","width":540,"height":108}}},"7b6769f2748b":{"name":"Marker","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn-images-1.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F383\u002F1*haCUs0wF6TgOOvfoY-jEoQ@2x.png","width":383,"height":92}}},"444d13b52878":{"name":"OneZero","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F540\u002F1*cw32fIqCbRWzwJaoQw6BUg.png","width":540,"height":123}}},"8ccfed20cbb2":{"name":"Zora","data":{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","ethicsPolicy":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Farticles\u002F360043290473","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fmax\u002F540\u002F1*tZUQqRcCCZDXjjiZ4bDvgQ.png","width":540,"height":106}}}},"embeddedPostIds":{"coronavirus":"cd3010f9d81f"},"sharedCdcMessaging":{"COVID_APPLICABLE_TAG_SLUGS":[],"COVID_APPLICABLE_TOPIC_NAMES":[],"COVID_APPLICABLE_TOPIC_NAMES_FOR_TOPIC_PAGE":[],"COVID_MESSAGES":{"tierA":{"text":"For more information on the novel coronavirus and Covid-19, visit cdc.gov.","markups":[{"start":66,"end":73,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cdc.gov\u002Fcoronavirus\u002F2019-nCoV"}]},"tierB":{"text":"Anyone can publish on Medium per our Policies, but we don’t fact-check every story. For more info about the coronavirus, see cdc.gov.","markups":[{"start":37,"end":45,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.medium.com\u002Fhc\u002Fen-us\u002Fcategories\u002F201931128-Policies-Safety"},{"start":125,"end":132,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cdc.gov\u002Fcoronavirus\u002F2019-nCoV"}]},"paywall":{"text":"This article has been made free for everyone, thanks to Medium Members. For more information on the novel coronavirus and Covid-19, visit cdc.gov.","markups":[{"start":56,"end":70,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fmedium.com\u002Fmembership"},{"start":138,"end":145,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cdc.gov\u002Fcoronavirus\u002F2019-nCoV"}]},"unbound":{"text":"This article is free for everyone, thanks to Medium Members. For more information on the novel coronavirus and Covid-19, visit cdc.gov.","markups":[{"start":45,"end":59,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fmedium.com\u002Fmembership"},{"start":127,"end":134,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cdc.gov\u002Fcoronavirus\u002F2019-nCoV"}]}},"COVID_BANNER_POST_ID_OVERRIDE_WHITELIST":["3b31a67bff4a"]},"sharedVoteMessaging":{"TAGS":["politics","election-2020","government","us-politics","election","2020-presidential-race","trump","donald-trump","democrats","republicans","congress","republican-party","democratic-party","biden","joe-biden","maga"],"TOPICS":["politics","election"],"MESSAGE":{"text":"Find out more about the U.S. election results here.","markups":[{"start":46,"end":50,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fcookpolitical.com\u002F2020-national-popular-vote-tracker"}]},"EXCLUDE_POSTS":["397ef29e3ca5"]},"embedPostRules":[],"recircOptions":{"v1":{"limit":3},"v2":{"limit":8}},"braintreeClientKey":"production_zjkj96jm_m56f8fqpf7ngnrd4","braintree":{"enabled":true,"merchantId":"m56f8fqpf7ngnrd4","merchantAccountId":{"usd":"AMediumCorporation_instant","eur":"amediumcorporation_EUR","cad":"amediumcorporation_CAD"},"publicKey":"ds2nn34bg2z7j5gd","braintreeEnvironment":"production","dashboardUrl":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.braintreegateway.com\u002Fmerchants","gracePeriodDurationInDays":14,"mediumMembershipPlanId":{"monthly":"ce105f8c57a3","monthlyV2":"e8a5e126-792b-4ee6-8fba-d574c1b02fc5","monthlyWithTrial":"d5ee3dbe3db8","monthlyPremium":"fa741a9b47a2","yearly":"a40ad4a43185","yearlyV2":"3815d7d6-b8ca-4224-9b8c-182f9047866e","yearlyStaff":"d74fb811198a","yearlyWithTrial":"b3bc7350e5c7","yearlyPremium":"e21bd2c12166","monthlyOneYearFree":"e6c0637a-2bad-4171-ab4f-3c268633d83c","monthly25PercentOffFirstYear":"235ecc62-0cdb-49ae-9378-726cd21c504b","monthly20PercentOffFirstYear":"ba518864-9c13-4a99-91ca-411bf0cac756","monthly15PercentOffFirstYear":"594c029b-9f89-43d5-88f8-8173af4e070e","monthly10PercentOffFirstYear":"c6c7bc9a-40f2-4b51-8126-e28511d5bdb0","monthlyForStudents":"629ebe51-da7d-41fd-8293-34cd2f2030a8","yearlyOneYearFree":"78ba7be9-0d9f-4ece-aa3e-b54b826f2bf1","yearly25PercentOffFirstYear":"2dbb010d-bb8f-4eeb-ad5c-a08509f42d34","yearly20PercentOffFirstYear":"47565488-435b-47f8-bf93-40d5fbe0ebc8","yearly15PercentOffFirstYear":"8259809b-0881-47d9-acf7-6c001c7f720f","yearly10PercentOffFirstYear":"9dd694fb-96e1-472c-8d9e-3c868d5c1506","yearlyForStudents":"e29345ef-ab1c-4234-95c5-70e50fe6bc23","monthlyCad":"p52orjkaceei","yearlyCad":"h4q9g2up9ktt"},"braintreeDiscountId":{"oneMonthFree":"MONTHS_FREE_01","threeMonthsFree":"MONTHS_FREE_03","sixMonthsFree":"MONTHS_FREE_06","fiftyPercentOffOneYear":"FIFTY_PERCENT_OFF_ONE_YEAR"},"3DSecureVersion":"2","defaultCurrency":"usd","providerPlanIdCurrency":{"4ycw":"usd","rz3b":"usd","3kqm":"usd","jzw6":"usd","c2q2":"usd","nnsw":"usd","q8qw":"usd","d9y6":"usd","fx7w":"cad","nwf2":"cad"}},"paypalClientId":"AXj1G4fotC2GE8KzWX9mSxCH1wmPE3nJglf4Z2ig_amnhvlMVX87otaq58niAg9iuLktVNF_1WCMnN7v","paypal":{"host":"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.paypal.com:443","clientMode":"production","serverMode":"live","webhookId":"4G466076A0294510S","monthlyPlan":{"planId":"P-9WR0658853113943TMU5FDQA","name":"Medium Membership (Monthly) with setup fee","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed monthly."},"yearlyPlan":{"planId":"P-7N8963881P8875835MU5JOPQ","name":"Medium Membership (Annual) with setup fee","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed annually."},"oneYearGift":{"name":"Medium Membership (1 Year, Digital Gift Code)","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Gift codes can be redeemed at medium.com\u002Fredeem.","price":"50.00","currency":"USD","sku":"membership-gift-1-yr"},"oldMonthlyPlan":{"planId":"P-96U02458LM656772MJZUVH2Y","name":"Medium Membership (Monthly)","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed monthly."},"oldYearlyPlan":{"planId":"P-59P80963JF186412JJZU3SMI","name":"Medium Membership (Annual)","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed annually."},"monthlyPlanWithTrial":{"planId":"P-66C21969LR178604GJPVKUKY","name":"Medium Membership (Monthly) with setup fee","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed monthly."},"yearlyPlanWithTrial":{"planId":"P-6XW32684EX226940VKCT2MFA","name":"Medium Membership (Annual) with setup fee","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed annually."},"oldMonthlyPlanNoSetupFee":{"planId":"P-4N046520HR188054PCJC7LJI","name":"Medium Membership (Monthly)","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed monthly."},"oldYearlyPlanNoSetupFee":{"planId":"P-7A4913502Y5181304CJEJMXQ","name":"Medium Membership (Annual)","description":"Unlimited access to the best and brightest stories on Medium. Membership billed annually."},"sdkUrl":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.paypal.com\u002Fsdk\u002Fjs"},"stripePublishableKey":"pk_live_7FReX44VnNIInZwrIIx6ghjl","log":{"json":true,"level":"info"},"imageUploadMaxSizeMb":25,"staffPicks":{"title":"Staff Picks","catalogId":"c7bc6e1ee00f"}},"session":{"xsrf":""}}</script><script>window.__APOLLO_STATE__ = {"ROOT_QUERY":{"__typename":"Query","viewer":null,"collectionByDomainOrSlug({\"domainOrSlug\":\"thealiwaris.medium.com\"})":null,"postResult({\"id\":\"15ea942d553b\"})":{"__ref":"Post:15ea942d553b"}},"LinkedAccounts:5a6346e2d848":{"__typename":"LinkedAccounts","mastodon":null,"id":"5a6346e2d848"},"UserViewerEdge:userId:5a6346e2d848-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868":{"__typename":"UserViewerEdge","id":"userId:5a6346e2d848-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868","isFollowing":false,"isUser":false,"isMuting":false},"NewsletterV3:4629dc9010a8":{"__typename":"NewsletterV3","id":"4629dc9010a8","type":"NEWSLETTER_TYPE_AUTHOR","slug":"5a6346e2d848","name":"5a6346e2d848","collection":null,"user":{"__ref":"User:5a6346e2d848"}},"User:5a6346e2d848":{"__typename":"User","id":"5a6346e2d848","name":"Ali Waris","username":"thealiwaris","newsletterV3":{"__ref":"NewsletterV3:4629dc9010a8"},"linkedAccounts":{"__ref":"LinkedAccounts:5a6346e2d848"},"isSuspended":false,"imageId":"1*9SVpCUFXNy3KWeEZ-1mdiQ.jpeg","mediumMemberAt":1717159707000,"verifications":{"__typename":"VerifiedInfo","isBookAuthor":false},"socialStats":{"__typename":"SocialStats","followerCount":10,"followingCount":4,"collectionFollowingCount":0},"customDomainState":{"__typename":"CustomDomainState","live":{"__typename":"CustomDomain","domain":"thealiwaris.medium.com"}},"hasSubdomain":true,"bio":"Desigining languages between people and products","isPartnerProgramEnrolled":false,"viewerEdge":{"__ref":"UserViewerEdge:userId:5a6346e2d848-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868"},"viewerIsUser":false,"postSubscribeMembershipUpsellShownAt":0,"membership":{"__ref":"Membership:a5293cb8410d"},"allowNotes":true,"twitterScreenName":""},"Membership:a5293cb8410d":{"__typename":"Membership","tier":"MEMBER","id":"a5293cb8410d"},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_0":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_0","name":"b87a","type":"H3","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"6 games every designer should play","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_1":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_1","name":"ef95","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"How video-games shape my approach to design and keep me sane","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg","originalHeight":1260,"originalWidth":2400,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_2":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_2","name":"8e26","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"FULL_WIDTH","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_3":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_3","name":"b655","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"The bell rings, and I run toward the iconic “Dabba” — a box in every sense of the word. Awaiting me is the Suzuki Bolan, mankind’s cruelest attempt at a pick-and-drop van. Designed for five but jammed with twenty-plus kids, it was a rolling sweat lodge on wheels. Karachi’s blistering summers turned it into a human oven. Where we stewed, scratched, and suffered in silence. I’d fantasize about home.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg","originalHeight":600,"originalWidth":1500,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_4":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_4","name":"d7c3","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*BgesGmWYtPKK1tQWSDjY-Q.jpeg"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_5":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_5","name":"7a51","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Home wasn’t perfect though, but it had one saving grace — video games. They were my sanctuary, portals to other worlds far removed from the chaos around me. I grew up in a single-parent household. I struggled to string sentences together, let alone find comfort in people. But then came Half-Life. I still remember the monorail sequence through Black Mesa, it blew me away. It wasn’t just a game — it was magic for me.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":287,"end":296,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":287,"end":296,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg","originalHeight":600,"originalWidth":1500,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_6":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_6","name":"bd7c","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*JTRATIvEbgSa5imA76yE_Q.jpeg"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_7":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_7","name":"5f4f","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Of course, I got hooked. Really hooked. I poured hours into Skyrim, devouring its books. I read every terminal entry in New Vegas like they held life’s secrets. Doom II was my rage therapy — a pixelated punch to my insecurities. And then there was Red Dead Redemption, a masterpiece that stirred something deep within me.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":60,"end":66,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":120,"end":129,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":161,"end":168,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":248,"end":267,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":60,"end":66,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":120,"end":129,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":161,"end":168,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":248,"end":267,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_8":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_8","name":"7b80","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Lately, I’ve dusted off my old gaming rig, slipping back into those familiar habits. Games like Disco Elysium, Firewatch, and Return of the Obra Dinn reminded me how much designers — of anything, really — can learn from these crafted experiences. These developers have created worlds so rich and real. These games demand your focus, your curiosity. They teach you to observe, to think, to connect the dots. And isn’t that good for the brain?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":96,"end":109,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":111,"end":120,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":126,"end":149,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":96,"end":109,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":111,"end":120,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":126,"end":149,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_9":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_9","name":"c6f0","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"So, I’m curating a list — a list for designers who want to explore video-games. A way to explore characters, worlds, and narratives that might just teach us something about our craft, and maybe even about ourselves.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_10":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_10","name":"0ba3","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Disco Elysium","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_11":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_11","name":"a334","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*9OoraiK4XTJSUViLLdN0cA.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_12":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_12","name":"3e33","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"This game has so much depth — it’s a journey that pulls you in from the first moment and keeps surprising you. It taught me how to use my inner voice as a designer, how to solve conflicts, and how to interact with people as layered, complex beings. Every conversation in this game feels alive, revealing how much you can learn by talking to individuals based on who they are and what they bring to the world. There’s so much to absorb here that it’ll leave a mark on how you design experiences.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_13":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_13","name":"bc9d","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Portal & Portal 2","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_14":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_14","name":"78d0","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*CRmKkNteEQiggIqxK4EhQQ.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_15":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_15","name":"ddf0","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"This is the gold standard. From the flawless feedback loops to the way it onboards players seamlessly, it’s a masterclass in crafting logical, intuitive systems. Every interaction feels so intentional, and as a designer, you can’t help but marvel at how carefully the entire experience is pieced together. It’s an awe-inspiring journey, and there’s no better way to learn about designing for clarity and flow.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_16":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_16","name":"ba43","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"New Vegas","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_17":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_17","name":"ea20","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*AD2l18drj9A4_JDUNZ1nUw.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_18":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_18","name":"cb8d","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"God, where do I even begin? The characters, the setting, the endless replay value — it’s an odyssey through a post-apocalyptic world that always feels alive. This game taught me how to listen and communicate, how to make choices that carry weight, and how to design systems that let players forge their own paths. For designers, New Vegas offers a masterclass in layering depth into every interaction while maintaining the freedom of discovery.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_19":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_19","name":"8d87","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Return of the Obra Dinn","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_20":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_20","name":"2d5f","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*Yuo6eWWR5KfTy0UV6RbWFA.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_21":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_21","name":"c4d6","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Obra Dinn is a designer’s dream for studying discovery and emergent problem-solving. It’s all about trust — uncovering layers of clues and piece things together. It’s a masterclass in designing systems where each solution feels earned, and the process of solving becomes the reward.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_22":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_22","name":"25e4","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Inside","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_23":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_23","name":"456b","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*M01ZrmrOr_Rilb-lO7mxdg.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_24":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_24","name":"06e5","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Inside is proof that simplicity can be powerful. The stripped-down design evokes emotions with no words, no fluff — just pure, focused experience. It taught me to cut away distractions and zero in on what really matters. Plus, it’s packed with clever puzzles that subtly challenge you, keeping the experience engaging without breaking its flow.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_25":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_25","name":"4334","type":"H4","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Firewatch","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png","originalHeight":1030,"originalWidth":2756,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_26":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_26","name":"72c4","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*sUvfnd1_mwbub_wAGmTUQQ.png"},"text":"","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_27":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_27","name":"ecd9","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"This game is what I mean by “portals to other worlds.” It pulls you into its unfolding mysteries and grows with every step you take. The interplay between environment and voice-driven narrative creates an emotional connection that few games achieve. It’s a study in building tension and trust through storytelling, teaching designers how to keep users invested as the narrative deepens.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_28":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_28","name":"fa1a","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"So, if you’re a designer searching for fresh ideas or new ways to approach your craft, give these games a shot. They’ll teach you things you won’t find in any manual, and they might just change the way you see the world — and your work.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_29":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"f3aeddb31ade_29","name":"d753","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Pick one. Start. The journey’s worth it.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"PostViewerEdge:postId:15ea942d553b-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868":{"__typename":"PostViewerEdge","shouldIndexPostForExternalSearch":true,"id":"postId:15ea942d553b-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868"},"Tag:design":{"__typename":"Tag","id":"design","displayTitle":"Design","normalizedTagSlug":"design"},"Tag:design-thinking":{"__typename":"Tag","id":"design-thinking","displayTitle":"Design Thinking","normalizedTagSlug":"design-thinking"},"Tag:ux":{"__typename":"Tag","id":"ux","displayTitle":"UX","normalizedTagSlug":"ux"},"Tag:games":{"__typename":"Tag","id":"games","displayTitle":"Games","normalizedTagSlug":"games"},"Tag:videogames":{"__typename":"Tag","id":"videogames","displayTitle":"Videogames","normalizedTagSlug":"videogames"},"Post:15ea942d553b":{"__typename":"Post","id":"15ea942d553b","collection":null,"content({\"postMeteringOptions\":{}})":{"__typename":"PostContent","isLockedPreviewOnly":false,"bodyModel":{"__typename":"RichText","sections":[{"__typename":"Section","name":"a696","startIndex":0,"textLayout":null,"imageLayout":null,"backgroundImage":null,"videoLayout":null,"backgroundVideo":null},{"__typename":"Section","name":"a9ac","startIndex":28,"textLayout":null,"imageLayout":null,"backgroundImage":null,"videoLayout":null,"backgroundVideo":null}],"paragraphs":[{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_0"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_1"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_2"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_3"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_4"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_5"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_6"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_7"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_8"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_9"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_10"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_11"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_12"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_13"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_14"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_15"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_16"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_17"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_18"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_19"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_20"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_21"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_22"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_23"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_24"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_25"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_26"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_27"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_28"},{"__ref":"Paragraph:f3aeddb31ade_29"}]},"validatedShareKey":"","shareKeyCreator":null},"creator":{"__ref":"User:5a6346e2d848"},"inResponseToEntityType":null,"isLocked":false,"isMarkedPaywallOnly":false,"lockedSource":"LOCKED_POST_SOURCE_NONE","mediumUrl":"https:\u002F\u002Fthealiwaris.medium.com\u002F6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b","primaryTopic":null,"topics":[],"isPublished":true,"latestPublishedVersion":"f3aeddb31ade","visibility":"PUBLIC","postResponses":{"__typename":"PostResponses","count":0},"clapCount":0,"allowResponses":true,"isLimitedState":false,"title":"6 games every designer should play","isSeries":false,"sequence":null,"uniqueSlug":"6-games-every-designer-should-play-15ea942d553b","socialTitle":"","socialDek":"","canonicalUrl":"","metaDescription":"","latestPublishedAt":1732278358386,"readingTime":4.218867924528302,"previewContent":{"__typename":"PreviewContent","subtitle":"How video-games shape my approach to design and keep me sane"},"previewImage":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:1*-lClaNelar63zU9nQBnBVg.jpeg"},"isShortform":false,"seoTitle":"","firstPublishedAt":1732277819787,"updatedAt":1732278358386,"shortformType":"SHORTFORM_TYPE_LINK","seoDescription":"","viewerEdge":{"__ref":"PostViewerEdge:postId:15ea942d553b-viewerId:lo_39b0385d7868"},"isSuspended":false,"license":"ALL_RIGHTS_RESERVED","tags":[{"__ref":"Tag:design"},{"__ref":"Tag:design-thinking"},{"__ref":"Tag:ux"},{"__ref":"Tag:games"},{"__ref":"Tag:videogames"}],"isNewsletter":false,"statusForCollection":null,"pendingCollection":null,"detectedLanguage":"en","wordCount":800,"layerCake":0,"responsesLocked":false}}</script><script>window.__MIDDLEWARE_STATE__={"session":{"xsrf":""},"cache":{"cacheStatus":"HIT"}}</script><script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/manifest.e374667a.js"></script><script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/9865.1496d74a.js"></script><script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/main.91469b5c.js"></script><script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/instrumentation.d9108df7.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/reporting.ff22a7a5.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/5049.d1ead72d.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/4810.6318add7.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/6618.db187378.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2707.b0942613.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/9977.5b3eb23a.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/8599.1ab63137.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/5250.9f9e01d2.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/6349.b071a958.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2648.26563adf.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/8393.826a25fb.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/489.5791e2a0.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/3735.afb7e926.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/5642.84a3086f.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/6546.cd03f950.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/6834.08de95de.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/7346.72622eb9.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2420.2a5e2d95.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/839.ca7937c2.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/7975.d195c6f1.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2106.21ff89d3.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/7394.d0d03552.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2961.00a48598.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/8204.c4082863.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/4391.59acaed3.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/PostPage.MainContent.40e0764e.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/8414.6565ad5f.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/3974.8d3e0217.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/2527.a0afad8a.chunk.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn-client.medium.com/lite/static/js/PostResponsesContent.36c2ecf4.chunk.js"></script><script>window.main();</script><script>(function(){function c(){var b=a.contentDocument||a.contentWindow.document;if(b){var d=b.createElement('script');d.innerHTML="window.__CF$cv$params={r:'8e7081bd5f7bcdec',t:'MTczMjM1ODA2Ny4wMDAwMDA='};var a=document.createElement('script');a.nonce='';a.src='/cdn-cgi/challenge-platform/scripts/jsd/main.js';document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(a);";b.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(d)}}if(document.body){var a=document.createElement('iframe');a.height=1;a.width=1;a.style.position='absolute';a.style.top=0;a.style.left=0;a.style.border='none';a.style.visibility='hidden';document.body.appendChild(a);if('loading'!==document.readyState)c();else if(window.addEventListener)document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',c);else{var e=document.onreadystatechange||function(){};document.onreadystatechange=function(b){e(b);'loading'!==document.readyState&&(document.onreadystatechange=e,c())}}}})();</script></body></html>