Jam - Games

In game design, 'jam' refers to the dynamic tension between player agency and systemic constraints. It manifests in mechanics like traffic congestion in city builders, inventory overload in RPGs, or skill cooldowns in MOBAs. This friction creates meaningful choices—do you optimize routes, discard items, or time abilities? Jam transforms simple interactions into strategic puzzles, balancing freedom with challenge. It's the delightful struggle that makes gameplay engaging, turning potential frustration into a core loop of problem-solving and adaptation.