What makes a great game?

Great games blend various elements to create deeply engaging and lasting experiences. Here are some key insights from experts discussing what makes a game great:

1. Rules and Complexity:

   • Rules that are challenging yet understandable can create a high barrier to entry, which can make games more rewarding. As Daryl Morey highlights using examples like League of Legends, a difficult learning curve can create a "switching cost" that retains players once they invest the effort to learn the game 1 2.

2. Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master:

   • Nolan Bushnell's Law posits that a good game is easy to learn but difficult to master. This creates accessibility for new players while providing depth for experienced ones. Rahul Vohra adds that goals, emotions, controls, toys, and flow are essential factors, indicating that the overall feel and engagement of the game are just as critical 3.
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       1

       The Art and Science of Great Games

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       2

       Game Dynamics

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       3

       What Makes a Good Game?

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       4

       Game Design Essentials

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       5

       Designing Engaging Experiences

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3. Engaging Mechanics and Replayability:

   • Mechanics need to be balanced to ensure that no single strategy guarantees a win every time, keeping the game engaging and replayable. Simple mechanics that lead to easy-to-understand rules contribute to broader appeal, as noted by Brian Baker 4.

4. Aesthetic and Narrative:

   • Aesthetics and user interface design are crucial for quickly conveying information, especially in card games. Additionally, an engaging narrative or story, even for abstract games, enhances the experience and keeps players coming back 4.

5. Friction and Challenge Balance:

   • The best games hit the sweet spot where the challenge is just beyond the player's current ability, maintaining interest without causing frustration. Adam Alter talks about designing experiences that are slightly more difficult than the player's comfort zone to keep them engaged 5.

In sum, great games are characterized by a blend of challenging yet rewarding rules, balanced mechanics, appealing aesthetics, engaging narratives, and perfectly pitched challenges that keep players motivated and entertained.