An Open Letter to Illwinter Game Design

[T.C.]

Illwinter Developers,

Thank you for making Dominions 3. You have created an amazing game.

In the 30 years I've been playing computer games, I've come to appreciate game design as an art. There is no formula for creating a compelling game; it is only the creative discernment of the designers which distinguishes a poor game from a good one. Dominions is clearly the work of masterful designers. You have created a game which is vast, engaging, well balanced, amazingly nuanced, and endlessly replayable. Even under the best of circumstances, it is difficult to create a work of art, but you have done it. You have captured lightning in a bottle. You have created a masterpiece. I applaud your achievement.

In my opinion, Dominions stands at the pinnacle of strategy gaming. Strategy games strive to provide entertainment by giving the player a range of strategic choices, then making success or failure in the game dependent on those choices. These days, most games avoid strategy. Even games marketed as strategy games de-emphasize the strategy elements and emphasize role-playing and arcade elements instead. Not Dominions. Dominions fully embraces the strategy concept, and I love it.

I've heard Dominions criticized for its high level of detail. I suspect, however, that detail is regarded as a flaw only by those accustomed to the superficial detail found in other games. In most other games, the game mechanics reduce details to a simple level of abstraction, making them nothing more than a thematic facade. In Dominions, on the other hand, the details are seldom gratuitous; almost all of the units, spells, and items give players real strategic choices, and thus add nuance to the gameplay.

I've also heard Dominions criticized for its micromanagement. In fact, I find the Dominions user interface to be remarkably efficient for the level of nuance it supports. Many strategy games attempt to create the illusion of complexity by using convoluted economic or combat models, or by providing inefficient controls. Those games use micromanagement to mask their shallow gameplay. Dominions employs no such nonsense. In Dominions, micromanagement is not busywork, but is the necessary effort required to implement a deep and subtle strategy.

I'm aware that the market for turn-based strategy games like Dominions is small, and that makes it hard to fund development. I imagine this must be discouraging. However, I'd like to offer encouragement by pointing out that the market will grow over time, customers will become easier to reach, and you are the best in your niche. Furthermore, you clearly have a dedicated group of fans. I can only hope that you will find a way to continue your creative output, whether it be further improvements to Dominions 3, a Dominions 4, or an entirely new venture.

Once again, thank you for creating a wonderful game. May you find success in all things.


-TC