View source for Knowledge conflict

A ''knowledge conflict'' occurs when the [[player character]] (PC) has knowledge of the [[game world]] not available to the [[player]] or vice versa, ''and'' this causes [[Illogical_Actions | illogical actions]], renders a [[puzzle]] unrealistically difficult, or otherwise damages [[mimesis]].

Not all unshared knowledge causes conflict. It is extremely difficult for a player and a [[PC]] to have completely identical knowledge. Most uses of [[undo]], for instance, will create a disparity in knowledge, as will a [[walkthrough]].

Several games, notably ''[[9:05]]'' ([[Adam Cadre]]; 1999; [[Z-code]]) and ''[[Spider and Web]]'' ([[Andrew Plotkin]]; 1998; Z-code) have intentionally played upon knowledge conflict, making a key [[puzzle]] significantly harder but resulting in a bigger payoff when the player figures it out.

==Pattern Removal==
* Find appropriate ways of providing relevant backstory and information to the player, but avoid egregious [[textdump | textdumping]].
* [[Amnesia]] immediately solves the problem of knowledge conflict, although it may be as much trouble as it's worth to write into the story.
* Use an [[everyman]] PC.
* Put the PC in situations he is completely unfamiliar with.
* To minimise the impact of incredibly prescient PCs, limit when certain actions can be taken:
** randomise code keys, the locations of hidden objects, or other subjects of critical knowledge
** only allow certain actions after the PC has gained relevant knowledge

==Examples==
* ''[[Glass]]'' ([[Emily Short]]; 2006; Z-code) minimizes the knowledge conflict by setting the game in the well-known fairy tale of Cinderella.
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==Links==
* Discussions about [[Past_raif_topics:_IF_Theory:_part_2#The_player_and_the_PC|the player and the PC]] and [[Past_raif_topics:_IF_Theory:_part_2#PC_&_player_knowledge|PC & player knowledge]] on the [http://groups.google.com/group/rec.arts.int-fiction rec.arts.int-fiction] news group.

[[Category:Anti-Pattern]]