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[Concept verification] A game focused on experimentation and variability of results

A topic by historyloom created 2 days ago Views: 28 Replies: 2
Viewing posts 1 to 2

Hi!  I’m looking for early feedback on a game concept.

I’m working on a small 3D alchemy game. There’s no prototype yet — at this stage I’m not testing visuals or story, only whether the core gameplay idea feels viable.

The idea is an alchemy system focused on experimentation rather than fixed recipes. Recipes are incomplete due to age and damage, giving only vague hints instead of exact numbers. Brewing involves choosing ingredients and managing temperature, time, and stirring.

The system avoids strict “right / wrong” outcomes. Results are evaluated by how close they are to the intended effect. Partial success matters and can introduce side effects or instability.

If a player repeats the same approach (even an imperfect one), handwritten notes appear in the recipe book for better experience.

Progress isn’t tied to XP. It’s reflected in the world: the house restores itself, new tools unlock, and experimental conditions become more complex.

The gameplay is intentionally slow, repetitive, and somewhat meditative — and I know this is risky.

I’m specifically trying to understand:

  • whether vague systems like this feel engaging or quickly frustrating
  • whether partial success without clear feedback feels meaningful or just confusing
  • whether monotony + small discoveries can be a positive experience
  • whether replaying the game to discover different side effects sounds appealing

I’m collecting anonymous feedback via a short form. Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj0OjqBQDXOzqxW0wKoeyysFiykWRaNTGcd4uZ...

Any thoughts or impressions are appreciated — I’m trying to understand how this idea is perceived at an early stage.

Thanks for your time!

This sounds like PotionCraft and other similar potion-brewing games. I do not see anything wrong with this concept, but that is true about almost any other game concept too. The implementation and specific details are what matters most.

Regarding embracing monotony/repetitive actions, I suggest to look at incremental games for inspiration, there are many alchemy-related ones as well.

Thanks for your reply!

Yes, associations with Potion Craft and similar games are quite logical. I agree that a lot depends on the implementation and small details. Right now, I'm just gathering my thoughts at the conceptual level to understand whether the direction itself makes sense.

Thanks for the tip about incremental games, I'll definitely look into that.