THE PLAY FIELD

Field notes on browser games

Short, original notes on what actually makes browser games work. Written here, not generated from a list.

Racing is reading the line

Field note

Racing is reading the line, not reaction

A note on what actually decides a browser race.

Puzzle games reward reading

Field note

Puzzle games reward reading, not speed

Why the fast move is usually the wrong move.

How to pick a game fast

Field note

How to pick a game in under 60 seconds

A three-pass method for choosing without opening the game.

How to read a fail signal

Field note

How to read a fail signal instead of repeating it

Dying at the same spot is information.

Why one more tap keeps you in the game

Field note

Why one more tap keeps you in the game

The one-tap loop, explained.

Touch vs keyboard

Field note

Touch vs keyboard changes what a game is

The input is not a detail.

The one idea behind every routing puzzle

Field note

The one idea behind every routing puzzle

Constraint first, fill later.

Protect The Dog 3D is a geometry lesson

Field note

Protect The Dog 3D is a geometry lesson

A casual game hiding a geometry problem.

Five things to check before your first attempt

Field note

Five things to check before your first attempt

Setup before the run.

How an idle game's loop actually works

Field note

How an idle game's loop actually works

Earn, spend, and the one upgrade that matters.