Slope

(continuing my review of Facebook games, particularly the phenomenon of "open ended" games)

Most people think of games in terms of winning and losing. Even the longest games, like Axis and Allies or the Russian Campaign, eventually end. There are objectives along the way, by which one can measure progress.

In an open ended game, these objectives are illusory. People might complain about some group receiving a special item, or even getting it first.

However, in the long run this is irrelevant.

The most important aspect of an open ended game is your "slope". Slope is the rate of change.

As long as your slope is higher than your opponents, you will eventually get ahead (there is no winning or losing, only ahead or behind). If your slope is lower, even if you are currently ahead, you will (eventually) always be behind.

Even special items have only temporary value. Inflation will eventually degrade them. As long as your slope of acquiring new items is good, you will have new and better items.