theorycraft
Game mechanics analysis
Theorycraft is the practice of analyzing game mechanics through mathematics and simulation to optimize performance—calculating damage output, comparing equipment, or determining ideal character builds.
The term originated in gaming communities, especially around strategy and role-playing games: The theorycraft says this weapon is best, but it doesn't account for player skill.
As a verb, to theorycraft is to engage in such analysis: I spent hours theorycrafting my raid build.
Create a structure
- metaSelf-aware or transcendent
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- loadoutSelected equipment configuration
combo · mechanics · rotation · cooldown · DPS · min-maxing · simulation · spreadsheet
Productive without waste
- min-maxingOptimizing character builds strategically
- simulationImitation of real processes
- spreadsheetTabular data organizer
- analysisMethodical study of parts
benchmarking · fine-tuning · tweaking · metrics · trade-offs · maximization · number-crunching · calculations
Prediction of future conditions
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
anticipation · simulation · probability · variance · outcome · hypothesis · assumption · trending
Arranging for future events
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- preparationArranging things in advance
- roadmapDetailed plan forward
- contingencyUncertain possible event
counterplay · adaptation · positioning · scenario · timing · sequencing · prioritization
build
Create a structure
- metaSelf-aware or transcendent
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
loadout · combo · mechanics · rotation · cooldown · DPS · min-maxing · simulation · spreadsheet · patch
efficiency
Productive without waste
- min-maxingOptimizing character builds strategically
- simulationImitation of real processes
- spreadsheetTabular data organizer
analysis · benchmarking · fine-tuning · tweaking · metrics · trade-offs · maximization · number-crunching · calculations · testing
forecast
Prediction of future conditions
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
speculation · anticipation · simulation · probability · variance · outcome · hypothesis · assumption · trending
planning
Arranging for future events
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- preparationArranging things in advance
- roadmapDetailed plan forward
contingency · counterplay · adaptation · positioning · scenario · timing · sequencing · prioritization
theorycraftgut instinct
Immediate unreasoned knowing
improvisation · winging it · feel · freestyling · playing by ear
theorycrafthands-on practice
Learning through direct engagement
practical experience · trial and error · learning by doing · real-world application · execution
theorycraftcasual play
Unstructured recreational activity
casual gaming · messing around · just vibing · goofing off · screwing around