Metagame and game development

CaioJanuary 1, 2026guide

14.12.2025


This article explains what a "Game" truly is and elaborates on the next level after learning the mechanics of War Era.

“There are two types of games: the developer's game and the players' game.”


The fastest way for you, the reader, to understand the difference between the game and the meta-game is to read the following article:

https://app.warera.io/article/68990c6cd286896c6792220d

This simply explains what each government role can do. These are game mechanics. This is "The Game."

This is the Metagame.

There are players who coordinate their teams' damage without holding the title of Minister of Defense in-game. Are they playing War Era? Yes, but from outside War Era (likely on Discord) even though they produce in-game results.

This is the Meta-game. The game about the game.

The foundation the reader must know before proceeding:

  1. War Era = MMO RPG.

You must remember that War Era is a "Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO)" game.

  1. Game = situations of interaction between players.

You should adopt this definition of a game, as it is the most appropriate for War Era.

  1. Different motivations, different playstyles.

Dismantling factories to deal damage, newbies maxing out warehouse levels... the most efficient path isn't always the most enjoyable. Being inefficient affects performance and results, but not everyone plays to see bigger numbers.

  1. All roads lead to the meta-game. And it can help you get closer to better performances and desired results.

Describing the phenomenon.

It is as if War Era were a programmed world, with its own laws and physics. Players simply appeared in it. Everyone brings their own life background and personality. Good luck!

The wisdom in understanding the phenomenon.

  1. The game is the chessboard; the metagame is the hand that moves the pieces.

The game developer doesn't force newbies to focus on economic skills. However, different player teams developed a dominant strategy suggesting this is the best path based on game mechanics. They spread this idea through articles and other channels.

The game allows you not to do it, but the players help you make the best move with your pieces. This explicitly brings more results or better performance.

  1. Efficiency is a choice, but coordination is the game-changer.

High performance doesn't necessarily come from those with the most mystic equipment, but from those who can align the (often inefficient) motivations of various people toward a single objective or desired result.

  1. War Era: Portfolio Builder

The phenomenon showcases that the skills developed here (leadership, diplomacy, programming) can be applied in other environments, and vice versa. These are transferable skills into or out of the game.

For some, the game is art/technique. I personally derive pleasure from executing certain in-game projects. People can try to find if their hobbies fits in the gameplay.

The advantage of applying the phenomenon.

Replicating results, playing the game, project scalability, gaining an edge, refining performance, developing social competence, establishing best practices.

The eternal roleplay.

A womanizer player will steal your wife, my friend. Don't let her play.

Explore your team's advantages! There are interesting ways to unite performance and pleasure.

The meta-game player will entertain many people.

If this English version receives tips, I will release an old Brazilian government plan focused on metagaming - it is the practical example of how this perspective can create practical plans.