8 Factors That Make Games Popular
GAMEPLAY
Let’s start with the bread and butter of the digital escape entrée, and that is the gameplay mechanics of every good video game. Whether it’s a first-person shooter, a puzzle platformer or an expansive open world RPG, no one wants to spend time in a world that feels clunky or difficult to enjoy. Making sure the controls are fluid, dynamic and intuitive are essential to any great game. Introducing and innovating mechanics can help the popularity of a good video game as well. Take Fortnite for example, which created a new way to ingest battle royal modes; helping shape how other shooters developed future titles and their subsequent multiplayer offerings.
ART
I’m sure most gamers can agree that any good video game has great, if not amazing art direction. Take the popularity of the Borderland series, whose vibrant cell shading style has added to the flare and fanfare. Every game should take precedence in aesthetics, so that the player can feel fully engaged. Some can garner popularity and interest because of their art style, like the action platformer Cuphead, which drew in audiences with its classic cartoon imagery.
GRAPHICS
The fidelity of a game can sometimes make or break the popularity of a series. Even if someone didn’t care about frame rate or uber realism in the characters, the overall visuals of even the smallest game can affect how much a gamer will play it. Whether it’s a blockbuster exclusive title or an indie 8-bit game, graphics are always a factor.
STORY
Online games can shy away from this, but the most successful single player experience’s all have a rich and gripping story to back the fantastic gameplay. Gamers should be able to immerse themselves in these virtual landscapes, which can be quite tedious if you don’t care about the characters, the world, or what’s happening. Even action-oriented series like Gears of War have taken time to craft a compelling story; take the last entry in their original trilogy for example. No spoilers, but some still find themselves getting teary eyed from time to time when recalling the game’s second act.
SOUND
How a good video game looks is important, but how it sounds is also instrumental to the success. If you’re playing a World War two shooter, the gun shots, grenades and tanks rolling by should have an impact on your aural senses. Some video games, like indie rhythm-platformer The Artful Escape, curate an impressive soundtrack that is a central focus of the game, and has indeed added to its popularity.
MULTIPLAYER
Some of the most popular video games in the world exists entirely on an online gaming platform. Having smooth and inviting multiplayer components are crucial to online games. No one likes lag, glitches or long wait times (to name a few grievances) no matter the genre. Nothing worse for a gamer than dropping in a capture the flag match to end up getting stuck in a corner unable to move, inadvertently letting themselves, and their team down.
DEVELOPMENTAL ETHICS
Game delays have become expected, and most gamers are okay with them, as long as it means that the time is being utilized to perfect the gaming experience, and in regards to the developmental cycle for the employees, that it is done in an appropriate fashion. Work crunch, or any wind of that, can taint an upcoming release and turn a gamer off. There are big publishers still reeling over backlash from their unrecommended and downright unethical working environments.
REPLAYABILTY
Online games employ season passes and evolving content to regain popularity or retain players. What about a single player experience? Collectibles, extra challenges and game modifier’s all assist in the longevity of a good video game; and the best games should take that and all of the factors (listed) into consideration.