theorycraft

Theorycraft (or theorycrafting) is the mathematical analysis of game mechanics (usually in video games) to discover optimal strategies and tactics. Theorycraft involves analyzing statistics, hidden systems or underlying game code in order to glean information that is not apparent during normal gameplay. Theorycraft is similar to analyses performed in sports or other games such as baseball's sabermetrics. The term has been said to come from StarCraft players as a portmanteau of "game theory" and "StarCraft".

Theorycraft is prominent in competitive gaming (such as multiplayer games, speedrunning and racing events), where players attempt to gain competitive advantage by analyzing game systems. As a result, theorycraft can lower barriers between players and game designers. Game designers must consider that players will have a comprehensive understanding of game systems and players can influence design by exploiting game systems and discovering dominant or unintended strategies.