Back to 2025 AgendaBingo! Puzzle games and the design of the 'aha' moment
🕓 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm📍 Room 4 - Cygnet room (Lv 2)Ever had an 'aha!' moment in a game where suddenly, like magic, everything just clicks into place? This talk explores the delightful (sometimes devious) world of puzzle video game design.
Learn how designers teach intricate systems to players without it feeling like a chore. Using examples from games like Portal, The Witness and Untitled Goose Game, we’ll look at how puzzles are structured, how to build up complexity over time and how to encourage players to persist.
Hear from a former teacher how to make learning new things delightful rather than painful. As well as how these design tips and tricks can be applied to other software.

Megan Pusey