---
title: "Donut theory"
description: "Adham's whiteboard model for sizing a game's audience."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/play-nice/donut-theory/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Donut theory

> Adham's whiteboard model for sizing a game's audience.

Jason Schreier's framework, from Play Nice, pp. 13 to 109.

Framework 2 of 15 from [Play Nice](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/play-nice/index.md) by Jason Schreier. Category: Lead generation.

## The steps

1. **The hole.** Hardcore gamers: a small group that wants depth and will evangelise the game.
2. **The ring.** Midcore players who buy one or two games a year and make up the bulk of sales.
3. **The rule.** Make games easy to learn yet difficult to master so both groups are served.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: PART ONE: RISE, pp. 13–109

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/play-nice/donut-theory.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/play-nice/donut-theory-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/play-nice/donut-theory.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/play-nice/donut-theory-dark.png