Uploaded January 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Follow me on Twitter- twitter.com/Thefearalcarrot
Support The Architect of Games on Patreon- patreon.com/ArchitectofGames

We're all familiar with puzzle games, but not many people have noticed that two distinct groups have emerged within this very broad genre. Even fewer have realised that this split is all about the power of authorial intent.

The Architect, being equally bad at both kinds of game, is well placed to tell you all about what makes a puzzle different from a problem, and how you can tell the difference.

You Saw:

Portal 2 (2011)
The Sexy Brutale (2017)
Fidel Dungeon Rescue (2017)
Opus Magnum (2017)
Portal (2007)
The Witness (2016)
Bejeweled 3 (2010)
Poly Bridge (2016)
Spacechem (2011)
Factorio (2012)
Eternal (2016)
Bridge Constuctor Portal (2017)
World of Goo (2008)
Grim Fandango (1998)
Tales From The Borderlands (2014)

Interesting Links:

How Simple Toolsets Encourage Learning: youtube.com/watch?v=s1_HIGHWjn4

Zach Barth AMA: reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3brxcs/i_am_zach_barth_the_creative_director_of_the_game/?st=jchfalv1&sh=667954ba

Creating a Sequel To The Game That Doesn't Need One: youtube.com/watch?v=BYFvwbby2YM