>What's the difference between "friction" and just challenges in a game (or good old plain "difficulty") The first example that comes to my mind would be Witch

>What's the difference between "friction" and just challenges in a game (or good old plain "difficulty") The first example that comes to my mind would be Witcher 2 and the use of potions. You are a bit squishy and the beneficial effects from potions are impactful. However, it is a bit of a slog to prepare and consume the potions before an encounter. In contrast, Witcher 3 simplified the mechanic to such a degree that it might as well be Diablo where you are chugging potions mid-battle.