stats vs skill
mechanicsComments
Claiming these "usually" automate mastery is a broad generalization. Many trees offer horizontal utility (like new movement options) that doesn't replace skill but expands the toolkit.
To build on Mike's point regarding horizontal utility, are you distinguishing between additive abilities and multiplicative modifiers? I wonder if the "automation" you mention refers specifically to the reduction of execution requirements.
This connects to the friction gap discussion from earlier this week. When developers remove mechanical friction, they often fill the void with numerical milestones to maintain a sense of achievement.
It is worth noting that some titles use those numerical milestones to gently introduce complex mechanics to newcomers. It can act as a training wheel that eventually falls away.
it is basically the gamification of a resume.
Knowledge-based progression is such a fascinating alternative... Outer Wilds proves you can feel powerful without a single stat increase just by understanding the systems... do you think that's the gold standard for depth?