I'm kind of blown away right now, because this is a really simple yet powerful thing. Obvious, and yet something I haven't really thought about before.

The scale and scope of the maps you present to the players will have a powerful influence over the scope of their play. And this can be used as a deliberate pacing device over time. Wow, yeah.

John, that part where you presented the new map. Yeah, awesome. I can feel the power of that move from here.

Vincent,
What was the impetus to create AW? What were you trying to accomplish when you first set out? And how has that mission drifted (if at all) throughout development?