Save the Thief
In gaming, 'heist' represents a core design archetype centered on meticulous planning, high-stakes execution, and dynamic teamwork. It typically involves assembling a specialized crew, overcoming layered security systems, and adapting to unpredictable complications. The concept thrives on tension between preparation and improvisation, often featuring non-linear approaches to objectives. Symbolically, heists explore themes of ambition, trust, and consequence, rewarding cleverness over brute force. This framework appears across genres, from tactical shooters to narrative adventures, emphasizing player agency through intricate mechanics like reconnaissance, gadget use, and escape sequences.