Often a mechanic hints at more than one potential theme, and some thought needs to be applied as to which will be most suitable. In the best instances, a good theme goes on to inform further refinements of the game mechanic. In some cases a theme is temporarily attached to a design […] before another theme subsequently emerges. […] Thus a design informs the theme and vice versa.
A fitting theme is not only important for player immersion, but also helps in teaching the game, as it is much easier to learn a game when the theme and mechanisms match.
I like the game mechanisms. I’m delighted to try games with interesting new ideas, even if the games are not well developed. I’d appreciate it if the publishing houses allowed themselves more time with their games. Games need time in development. With computer games a large effort is made, with board games sometimes only the most essential is done.
