One Level, Four Gameplays: Designing Dimension-Shifting Mechanics in a Rogue-lite

What happens when a single button transforms the rules of the game mid-play? In this talk, we explore the design and engineering of dimension-shifting mechanics—where one space becomes four distinct gameplay modes, each re-skinning the environment and rewriting combat, traversal, and interaction. Using our upcoming rogue-lite Cosmo Tales as a case study, we'll walk through the core challenges: readability under constant state changes, fair encounters across modes, and systems that stay stable while everything reconfigures. Expect concrete problems, the solutions we landed on, and practical takeaways for anyone building rapid, multi-mode gameplay that feels clear, cohesive, and satisfying.