Meta-Strategy. It's What's Meta!

We're going to assume that you're here because you're interested in complex games: how they're played, why they're played, the psychology of gameplay, the social contract... all that stuff that exists outside of the game, but is intimately tied to it. The "meta-game".

Let's Get Meta

Meta-gaming strategies (or MGS), then, are techniques which operate ouside of games, but are designed to influence the results of these games, or the context in which the games are played. They are all used by players pursuing meta-game goals, as well.

Often, they are social or phychological strategies, employed to generate valuable social power - or social currency, as it is called here. Many, though, are designed to deliver a direct competitive advantage in the game - often, by any means necessary. There are friendly strategies and unfriendly ones. Who are we to judge whether they're good or bad?

The Term's On Us

We decided to call these things "meta-gaming strategies" after some debate and discussion. Some people think "meta-strategy" is appropriate, as these strategies are not limited to gaming at all - but any sufficiently complex social setting. So whether you call them "meta-strategies" or "meta-game strategies", until these terms are more well-understood, we've agreed to set symantic debate aside. We're talking about the same thing.

What's In Store

As you can see from the menu on the left, we've got a few things you might enjoy reading. First and foremost, the list of meta-strategies is the heart of the site, with over 40 unique strategies for you to master and try out on your unsuspecting friends.

We have put some thought into various schema which attempt to categorize the various strategies in different ways. These are works in progress.

Also we're more or less in the middle of writing up a little FAQ.

Who's to Blame

Over the years, a cabal of five has been responsible for this dire matter. They are the COMPILERS.

• Mike Braymen
• Jeff Campbell
• Dan M.
• Jason Newquist
• Dave Sokolowski

Finally, we'd like to point out that at the bottom of every page is a link to send us mail. If you're a kindred spirit, send us email and let us know. If you have meta-strategies of your own you'd like to share, we'll happily list your forumulation, giving you full credit, and list you among the COMPILERS.