This is because they possessed “board game fluency” — an understanding of many of the core mechanisms. They could instantly recognize things like, “Oh! This is just worker placement.”
This reminds me of video game fluency. I can't explain how I know the game wants me to go in a certain direction, I just know it does.
I think video games work the same way. You eventually develop an understanding of what keys probably make you jump, dodge, or shoot. You understand the idea of picking up and completing quests. Or even simple things like turning and moving using a mouse and keyboard. All of those are fluency that can be developed over time and applied to future games to speed the learning process.
This is because they possessed “board game fluency” — an understanding of many of the core mechanisms. They could instantly recognize things like, “Oh! This is just worker placement.”
This reminds me of video game fluency. I can't explain how I know the game wants me to go in a certain direction, I just know it does.
I think video games work the same way. You eventually develop an understanding of what keys probably make you jump, dodge, or shoot. You understand the idea of picking up and completing quests. Or even simple things like turning and moving using a mouse and keyboard. All of those are fluency that can be developed over time and applied to future games to speed the learning process.