Project example

Into the breach

Overview

Into the Breach is a critically acclaimed turn‑based strategy game developed by indie studio Subset Games and released in 2018. The game was built with a clear idea: reduce randomness and emphasize tactical decision making. [1]

image derived from cnet.com

Gameplay & Design Decisions

The core gameplay loop revolves around controlling mech units on an 8×8 grid where enemies telegraph their attacks ahead of time, allowing players to make fully informed tactical choices. This deterministic design was intentional: Subset Games wanted the game to feel like chess, where all information is visible and player decisions matter.

Key design principles documented in Into the Breach

Note: the following refers to [2]

Designing with Constraints: The team identified tight constraints—such as limited menus, streamlined UI, and minimizing wasted time—as foundational, guiding all subsequent feature decisions.
Early Prototyping & Iteration: Subset iterated through many prototypes and repeatedly asked “does this idea fit the constraint?” rather than inventing mechanics without a frame of reference.
Cutting & Refinement: A lengthy talk covers how many ideas were cut or rebalanced, including mechanics that didn’t support the game’s tactical focus.

Development Process & Timeline

Development formally began after Subset completed FTL: Faster Than Light. They spent several years (mid‑2015 to early‑2018) refining systems, balancing mechanics, and incorporating feedback before release. [3]

Into the Breach features

Note: the following refers to [3]

chess‑like tactical combat with minimal randomness
Emphasis on protecting civilian infrastructure, tying narrative to mechanics
Procedural campaign structure that maintains challenge and replayability
These choices result from deliberate design decisions to make every turn meaningful and to balance difficulty with player agency.

Why This Matters for Game Designers

Constraints can guide meaningful design choices
Iteration and playtesting shape both mechanics and difficulty pacing
Clear communication (UI/feedback) impacts player experience
These are the same processes expected in industry portfolios and professional roles.