A Numbers Game

It seems like most people have an aversion to mathematics, or at least perceive it as the antithesis of fun. Having studied math extensively at the community college level and a bit more in an university, I can't say I find number crunching repugnant. I wouldn't go so far as to call it enjoyable either though. As controversial as this might sound, I think there is some satisfaction to be derived from games that ask their players to do the math.

Kerbal Space Program is one such example, assuming players don't use the "MechJeb" mod.  Over the years I've built more than a few rockets that were unable to complete their intended missions because they ran out of fuel prematurely.  If one is willing to break out the Delta-v map for the Kerbin System and punch some numbers into a few equations then it's definitely possible to learn where a particular rocket design can and can't go before it ever leaves the launch pad.

A more recent example, and a game I discussed on this blog just recently, is Satisfactory.  Unlike its precursor, Factorio, this first-person sci-fi factory sim is very up front with production data and even goes so far as to break it down into easily digestible units-per-minute rations  Overall, the math involved isn't any more difficult than remedial algebra (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), but it can be a bit time consuming since there are a lot of things to keep track of.  Generally speaking, it's also a good idea to overproduce a bit simply because the way the game works it's more advantageous to dial back machines rather than overclock them...plus it's always nice to have spare material for further construction projects.

One nice thing about Satisfactory (and Factorio) is even if things aren't optimized they still kind of work.  Unlike typical math problems, it isn't a binary case of either having the solution or not.  Instead, mistakes lead to production lines running inefficiently or only partially.  This, in turn, compels the player to troubleshooting for bottlenecks...which, if we're being completely honest here, is where the challenge comes from.  I've had a few facepalm moments wherein I realized that the clog in my production pipeline was due to me forgetting to connect a powerline or a supply belt.  I guess that sort of error is the mathematical equivalent of forgetting to carry the one.

I'm fond of the saying that goes "mathematics is weight lifting for the mind," and while I don't think playing the above mentioned games will make your brain all swole, there is some mental acuity to be enhanced (or perhaps simply maintained) in much the same way people play sudoku or crossword puzzles in order to keep their mind sharp.  If nothing else, there is some measure of happiness to be found in watching the numbers come together in a kind of carefully calculated harmony.