Question to Puzzle Makers and Solvers

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Greetings, this will be a two part post. The first part is the main part and I want to fish for some opinions regarding puzzle events. The second one is completely optional.

Solving different puzzle events it seems to be a general trend to make some kind of overarching puzzle. This can be seen for the really large events but also for most of the smaller scale events. Often this is done as an ITH with passwords or similar. What I wanted to know is:

Do you expect some kind of overarching puzzle?
Do you prefer one way or another?

I have thought about it and I think both variants have some benefits. Presenting some kind of overarching puzzle:

Gives motivation to solve all puzzles and solving stuff you would normally just drop
Gives a feeling of satisfaction in case of solving it
More giveaways for the dedicated
Can give a lot of frustration in case of not solving single puzzles

Doing some kind of event with single puzzles only on the other hand:

Gives no additional bonus motivation to try puzzles you are bad at or you are slightly stuck
People can concentrate on the puzzles the like and/or are good with and still have fun
No pressure to do stuff you don't like
Can be easily upscaled without puzzles feeling out of context or out of place

So any thoughts on the topic?

Well, the reason I ask the question is obviously because I want to do a small scale mini-event called "A picture a puzzle". Each puzzle will consists of only one image maybe with one additional line for description. As it needs preparation the solution will link to another site first but there people have to do one simple task to get to the giveaway. I currently have five images and plan to do at least a sixth one but no overarching puzzle. So I wanted to use this situation if someone is interested to add an own picture puzzle. I would like to end the giveaways on the 18th March. The starting point is not decided as it depends if I do it alone or not. If alone I think one, at max two weeks will be enough. If more people decide to join it would start the earliest at the 18th February. So if you are interested I would be content about every contribution. It doesn't matter if stuff repeats between different puzzle makers or if it is totally easy. Just not torturing difficult unless you are ready to jump in with tips or you feed from human tears.

6 years ago

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Do you prefer puzzle events with some kind of overarching puzzle or not?

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Yes, I prefer overarching puzzles. They give me motivation and reward the dedicated

No, I prefer events without overarching puzzle. I can focus on puzzles I like and still have fun.

I have no strong feelings one way or the other. Your statement has inspired in me a sense of utter indifference. All I know is my gut says maybe.

22 Comments

dingbat

Personally, I prefer stand-alone puzzles, or ones that aren't too involved. Having to log everything you do and track bits and pieces can be quite tedious, and I don't always have the time. This is especially the case with the largest events where it might take weeks to solve different parts, and to a lesser extent smaller events where it's not immediately apparent that this is the case.

I don't mind puzzles that sorta cross-reference bits, and when I did Zork it did require some back and forth and there were isolated sections that could almost be seen as mini-events. But most people work for a living, and so making it too arduous means a lot less people can enjoy it all

6 years ago