Over-systematization in games

As some of you have read, i am currently developing a system-heavy grid-game. The main risk of all these systems, is that you end up over-systemizing the game beyond the point of fun, where it just becomes a mess. So, to sum it up: I have implemented a lot of new systems to create more immersion into the game. So far, i think i have not yet reached the point of “too much systems” - but I have made myself aware of the risk that i am approaching this territory.

I have built the game to to rely on a lot of variables, so i will be able to expand on much of the core systems already. But i will admit, that working out progression systems has been hard. The challenge is that i work out much of the systems, before working out the fun of playing. At the end, i do wonder if the game actually will be fun to play. I hope so.

I will keep this short. Back to work, have a nice summer!

John