Revelation

Mechanism · V – Information & Knowledge immediate · irreversible · concealed / asymmetric / dynamic · solo / cooperative / competitive / asymmetric

Revelation discloses hidden information in a controlled way: when, how and for whom something is revealed creates a new game state and tension.

Design question – How does your game disclose hidden information in a controlled way – and what tension arises from it?

Reference example – Stratego: only when two pieces meet are their ranks revealed. Werewolf: whoever is eliminated reveals their role – and changes what everyone knows. Minesweeper: every click uncovers a square, with a number or a mine. Eclipse (Exploration) · 7 Wonders (Simultaneous Reveal) · Incan Gold (Push Your Luck)

Structural pattern

Input -> transformation -> output: hidden information (the concealed) becomes visible information (new game state) via a reveal event (disclosure).

Regulated in permitting mode (reveal by drawing, exploring or a trigger), constraining mode (what stays hidden; revealing limited or at a cost) and conditioning mode (to whom it is revealed: everyone, only the revealer or asymmetrically). In a game, limits and costs become specifications.

Design parameters

• Trigger – agent-controlled ↔ random
• Audience – everyone at once ↔ asymmetric
• Scope – single element ↔ everything
• Timing – immediate ↔ at game end
• Permanence – permanently revealed ↔ re-concealable
• Control – voluntary ↔ forced/conditional

Related Mechanisms

• Deduction (MEC-17) – Frequently combined: reason from what is revealed.
• Randomization (MEC-20) – Frequently combined: random reveal.
• Progression (MEC-15) – Frequently combined: unlock new content.
• Communication (MEC-16) – Frequently combined: communicate what is revealed.

Ludic Organisational Structures

Exploration System (core) · Technology / Research System · Crafting / Recipe System (dynamic)