The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar behemoth that keeps growing year after year – and there are no signs it will stop any time soon, reaching a projected $404.6 billion market volume by 2027 according to Statista.
As the market grows, so does the number of games being released every month. For this reason, standing out from the crowd and creating memorable experiences are essential.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the key game success factors that make a game stand out from the crowd. Have a good read!
Game success factors: what are the 10 key ones?
1. Great gameplay…
In gaming, “gameplay” refers to the rules and mechanics players interact with while playing a game. It includes everything – from the controls used to navigate the game world to the obstacles players must overcome in their journey.
As such, great gameplay is often considered one of the most critical factors in determining the success of a game: games with poor or frustrating gameplay are unlikely to keep players engaged, but their opposites can make up for other shortcomings (such as less-than-stellar storyline and outdated graphics) and become a hit with players.
Angry Birds, for instance, is a game that completely lacks a meaningful story, but it didn’t hinder the game’s ability to be a success with players all over the world. So much so they even started their own movie franchise, with two full-length movies based on the game to date.
In the end, a game’s success hinges on its ability to provide a fun and satisfying experience for its players, and having well-designed gameplay is key to achieving this goal.
2. And a good story to go with it…
A good story has always been an essential factor in determining the success of a game. Be it a complex branching narrative (like the one seen in The Witcher 3) or a simple backstory that provides context for whatever the player might encounter, a compelling story can make the player experience much better.
For instance, well-crafted stories might create an emotional connection between the player and the game’s characters and world, which in turn makes the experience more memorable and makes the player feel compelled to find out what happens at the end of the story. It might also add depth to the gameplay and even give players reasons to keep playing long after finishing the game.
While a compelling storyline can certainly enhance the appeal of a game, it’s essential to remember that not all successful games require one. League of Legends, for instance, is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) that constantly figures among the most-played games in the world.
One might argue that the game’s extensive universe has been explored in other media (such as the animated series Arcane (2021)), but the story only serves as an additional layer to the game rather than being a core gameplay element.
In any case, a good story can be the difference between a good game and an excellent one.
3. Which needs a believable and interesting setting
When designers put a lot of effort into worldbuilding, the results can be impressive. Well-built worlds and settings can draw players in and make them feel like they’re a part of the game, which increases their engagement and makes the experience unforgettable when coupled with a great story.
In Skyrim, players can explore a vast land full of dungeons and settlements to raid, ancient ruins to explore, and even civilizations to unearth. It is filled to the brim with intricate details, memorable characters, and in-game books that go deeper into the history of the game’s universe. This thorough attention to detail creates a sense of realism, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game – if they so wish.
Furthermore, games with well-designed worlds can foster a sense of wonder and awe, encouraging players to leave no stone unturned, which in turn makes them learn new information about the setting and even find some shiny loot from time to time.
4. Graphics and art style matter!
The visual appeal of a game is often the first thing players notice about it, which can create a long-lasting first impression. As you can only make one first impression in a crowded market, you’d better make it count!
While most AAA games go for a more realistic art style, many indie games opt for a low-poly or sprite-based art style. No matter your choice, it’s possible to create captivating experiences with any art style – as long as it’s cohesive and aesthetically pleasing, it’s good to go.
You can read more on some of the best art styles in our other article!
5. Intuitive controls that are easy to learn…
Intuitive controls are a must-have for successful games because they enable players to seamlessly interact with the game world. Almost nothing can be more frustrating than trying to execute a certain action only to find the game responding in bizarre, unnatural ways.
When controls are intuitive and easy to learn, players can place their attention on the game itself rather than struggling with the former. This in turn leads to more enjoyable experiences, as players can fully immerse themselves in the game without being distracted by having to learn how to control their character all over again.
6. And a good challenge to go with them
What would games be if they didn’t pose a challenge? We are pretty sure most players would be bored out of their minds if everything in the game was a walk in the park. That said, the opposite also rings true: games that are too hard might leave players frustrated. Striking the proper balance for your game is key to creating an enjoyable gaming experience.
One of the benefits of making some parts of your game difficult is that they can provide players with a sense of accomplishment when they overcome an especially challenging obstacle. It can also add replay value to a game, as some players might try to optimize their early runs or even attempt a harder difficulty – we’ll explore replayability in greater detail soon.
However, difficulty should also be balanced with fairness. If a game is too difficult due to poor design and/or unfair mechanics, you can be sure gamers will quickly become frustrated and disengage from the game.
7. A hint of originality
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with every game you create (otherwise, why in the world would PES and FIFA games be so popular?). You can’t blatantly copy everything from a game either.
While it’s important to draw inspiration from already consolidated games, it’s critical to sprinkle some ideas of your own to make your game stand out in the crowded market. Designers can achieve this by creating a unique storyline, a new take on a tried-and-true genre, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
As players are often drawn to games that offer something fresh and different, adding a touch of originality can help create a sense of excitement and anticipation around your creation, which ultimately could make it achieve new heights.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between originality and familiarity – stray too far by creating a truly unique experience, and players might hesitate to try your game, but make it too familiar with no distinguishable mechanics, and they might never get interested in your creation.
8. Background music and sound effects
Another critical game success factor is its soundscape. Music and sound effects play a crucial role in setting the mood for the game, creating a feeling of unease or excitement when necessary.
For instance, the soundtrack of a medieval fantasy game might feature scores using instruments of that bygone era. A horror game, on the other hand, will likely make use of eerie sound effects and minimalistic music to evoke a sense of discomfort.
Furthermore, great background music and sound effects can make a game truly memorable. Players may even associate particular sounds or motifs with their favorite games, which can increase their emotional connection to the game and lead to greater player engagement on social media.
In short, by creating cohesive and immersive soundscapes, game developers can elevate their creations to the next level, increasing their chances of success.
9. Good replay value
Another thing successful games usually have in common is replayability. Roguelites, like Risk of Rain 2, are known for having insane replay value, as many runs will unlock something new – be it a character or an upgrade – for you to tinker with.
Let’s list some games and how they can be replayed many times over:
- Skyrim: after beating the campaign once, players can create other characters of different archetypes. They also have the option to add mods to further expand on the game’s already comprehensive worldbuilding and character-building possibilities, enabling a wider swathe of viable builds. There are also a plethora of collectibles to pursue and side quests to complete;
- Warframe: despite being a more niche game, it’s an extremely successful looter-shooter game. With hundreds of weapons and dozens of “warframes” (characters) to build and collect, players are highly encouraged to repeatedly play missions to obtain their blueprints and the resources to create them. It also features extensive equipment/character customization options, which encourage players to try new things all the time;
- Chrono Trigger: it offers multiple endings, which are only available by playing through the game multiple times and making different choices. It also offers a New Game+ (NG+) mode, in which the player starts over with all their items and skills intact, unlocking content that was not available in the first playthrough.
10. Marketing and promotion
Last, but not least, comes marketing and promotion. Even the best-looking games with the most addictive game mechanics can be a huge failure without an effective marketing strategy. Choosing the right one by taking your target audience and gaming platform into account will help create some buzz on social media and generate interest among your target audience, leading to a higher number of purchases and downloads.
Great marketing campaigns will help build anticipation for a game even before its release. So much so, that CD Projekt Red, the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077, reportedly spent around $123 million in marketing costs alone. It was well worth it, as they recouped its development costs (estimated at over $320 million) on digital pre-orders alone!
Similarly, ongoing marketing efforts can keep a game relevant by attracting new players and retaining existing ones.
The Vital Success Factors in Game Development
Creating a successful game involves a lot more than just crafting an engaging storyline and stunning graphics. In the competitive realm of mobile game development, several key factors can significantly influence the success of a new game. From financial literacy to life-lessons, game designers are weaving life-planning and conversation starters into the gaming experience.
One particular game designed for 2-6 players teaches essential life skills and financial literacy. Through a game board and question cards, players engage in conversations about their goals, navigating year-to-life situations that directly impact their finances. The game explores career planning, entry-level wages, and small business economics, offering a good representation of occupations and realistic base salaries.
The success factors in game development are not limited to in-game mechanics. The community impact, goodwill goal setting, and players’ ability to navigate life’s curve balls are vital. Moreover, as the gaming market continually evolves with thousands of games vying for attention, understanding the current gaming trends and including a premium upgrade like UV coating to boost the game’s appeal are equally important. The main factors behind the success of a game lie in the ability to provide an immersive experience that resonates with players, fostering life-lessons and enjoyable gameplay.
Closing thoughts
In conclusion, many factors may contribute to the success of a game, and they can vary greatly depending on the game’s genre and target audience. From engaging gameplay and worldbuilding to intuitive controls and the ability to pose a challenge to players, game developers must take into account a wide range of considerations to create a game that is not only enjoyable but stands out in a crowded market.
And that’s where we can help you out! At Main Leaf, we design and develop games on demand for our clients. With 13 years of experience and over 70 passionate professionals, we are sure to bring your vision to life at blazing-fast speeds, implementing all game success factors in your creation with mastery.
Are you ready to take your idea to the next level? All you have to do is request a game quote below – and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours!
