CDM

Core Traits

CDM sees a game as a "world where rules operate". They care less about what the system does, and more about why it should be that way (context) and how the outcome is interpreted inside the world (meaning).
The same combat, economy, or progression can change completely once worldbuilding and language are attached: player choices shift from "functions" to "actions". CDM designs that transformation.
In short, CDM builds dense setting and context, while letting players create their own paths through exploration and choice.

CDM assumes rules don't become fun just by functioning; they become sticky through interpretation. Like framing effects in cognitive psychology, the same choice can produce totally different emotion and responsibility depending on context and language.
So CDM designs the seam where system explanation, terminology, and lore shape what players think their actions mean.

In practice, CDM uses lore not as mere text, but as a design tool. They rewrite rule exceptions as the world's laws so the team can reason about them, and they keep the system from accidentally sending the wrong message.
Teams with CDM can feel alive even with fewer features, and players can often explain what the game is really about.

Core Values

Team Chemistry

• When working with World Architect (CDM), align not just what to build but what you want players to understand it as. This reduces thrash and rework.
• With System Alchemist (SDM), the relationship is strongly complementary: when World Architect (CDM) adds context and meaning to combinatorial rules built by System Alchemist (SDM), emergence lasts longer and the community gains shared language.
• With Emotional Director (CDT), delivery gets stronger: World Architect (CDM) establishes the world's 'why', and Emotional Director (CDT) delivers it through an emotional arc, making the story players remember clearer.