The 0.3 Rule

When making video games, one often has to tweak and alter values, usually numbers in charge of damage dealt, or hit points, amongst other things. How do you know what numbers to put down? Is there always a set of numbers that do the job? In my findings, nope. Not really.

But I have my own little wacky method/rule that I find to be very helpful. I call it the 0.3 rule. I adjust values by 0.3 or multiples of 0.3. This tends to just hit the spot when I need to balance certain game mechanics. Whether these values are in charge of the view distance of the camera, movement speed of characters or even the level of certain hues in colors.

Having trouble finding the sweet spot when balancing values? Add or deduct by 0.3. It’s subtle, but subtle enough to notice. I like to think this is not done by others and adds a certain uniqueness to my projects (although this may very well not be the case).

This doesn’t have to strictly apply to game development either, I sometimes use this in day-to-day life as well. Whether it’s adding another 0.3 amount of cumin when cooking, or trying for an extra 30% of reps for the next set at the gym.

This fun little float value just tickles my brain good :)