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Designing the hidden bug system

#design#simulation
Designing the hidden bug system

One of the core mechanics in Game Dev Empire is the hidden bug system.

The problem

In most tycoons, bugs are a number you grind down with time. Boring. We wanted them to hurt like real life: when it's already too late.

Our solution

Every development decision generates invisible latent bugs. QA catches a share; the rest surfaces in production, when the game is already out. Your reputation is on the line:

  1. Crunch for a quick patch?
  2. Eat the press backlash?
  3. Prevent with more QA next time?

There is no right answer — and that's the point.