re: Crusader Kings 2 is insanely addicting

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How does one create an objective judgement on something that is inherently subjective?

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Subjectively is probably the better word there I agree; however, I do believe there are generally agreed upon design principles. If there were game design text books (which there may be), I find it hard to believe they would advocate games designed to require 50 hours of preparation before the player can begin to grasp how to play the game.

Secondly, in almost every instance, when you compare two games in a similar genre, the game that is easiest to pick up and play is the game that is more financially successful and universally loved. It's not about the game is the most feature rich or the game that lets you push the most buttons, it's the ability of a game to evoke a certain feeling. This is why World of Warcraft, Halo, and Civilization have been so successful over the years compared to older MMORPGs like EverQuest, older first person shooters, and the most in-depth grand strategy games.