LincloGames

Examples of Simple and Addicting Game Design

Game design is fascinating stuff. There are countless examples of games (both big and small) that are an absolute blast to play. Today we are going to talk about some of the small games. Not really a big surprise...considering those are the types of games we develop.

Addicting little games are interesting for a few different reasons. Usually they have a very simple game loop that is thoughtful and immersive. Often they are not content heavy...the experience is built around the core game loop (beating a high score or getting to the next level). Smaller games tend to appeal to (and are accessible to) a larger audience...due to the fact they are easy to understand and play.

Let's take a look at some great examples of small and addicting games...

Flappy Bird

Ah yes...Flappy Bird. Some might not like to see this game on the list. But it deserves recognition. One of the simplest video games ever made. All you do is tap the screen to make the bird elevate. Avoid hitting pipes as they scroll by and beat your high score. Hit a pipe, die, try again. The game loop is ridiculously simple...but the market doesn't lie. A whole lot of people have played this addicting little score chaser.

Screenshot of Flappy Bird game.

Tetris

It is no secret we love Tetris. This game franchise has legacy. It has been around a long time...and will be around (in some shape or form) for a lot longer. It is a little more complex than Flappy Bird...but not much (at least old school Tetris anyways). You must rotate and drop block pieces to clear lines. More points are rewarded as you clear more lines. Higher levels are reached when a certain number of lines are cleared and the blocks drop faster. If the screen fills up...it is game over. Simple, clever and addicting.

Screenshot of Tetris game.

Plants vs Zombies

Plants vs Zombies is easily the game with the largest scope on this list. There are quite a few different plant and zombie types in the game. There are also resources you have to pay attention to. But as 'complicated' as this game is compared to Flappy Bird and Tetris...it is surprisingly easy to play. The game loop at its core is quite simple. Keep the zombies from reaching the other side of the screen. This task is made easier by the intuitive UI design. Moving through the menus and windows is simple. Collecting and placing game elements is a breeze...never hindering the gameplay. Without a doubt one of the most fun and accessible tower defense games ever made.

Screenshot of Plants vs Zombies game.

Flappy Bird, Tetris and Plants vs Zombies are all examples of simple and addicting game design. These games prove that sometimes 'less is more'...when you spend the time to make the 'less' really, really good. Success for each one of these games comes down to the core game loop...not the amount of content. They are all great games to study if you are thinking about building a smaller game product.

Hopefully you enjoyed this post. Let us know if you have any questions or comments. Sign up to our email list (below) for future updates. Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out our latest game Martian Law on Steam (PC).