Game Refinery

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

To put you on the right track, we’ve taken a deep dive into four games that have delivered innovative storytelling in four subgenres: Merge Puzzle from the Casual category, and MMORPG, Action RPG, and 4X Strategy from the Mid-core category. The top 200 merge game titles (source: GameRefinery platform).

Mobile Gaming 262

Mobile Gaming Mobile Mobile Games 262

PreMortem.Games

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Typically highlighting a game’s mechanics in their raw form, even before content and visuals receive their final polish. Public demos aim to showcase your game’s mechanics and style to players while also garnering interest in the full game through story introduction. Consider Holstin’s demo as an example.

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Demo Mechanics Games Bug 239

Game Refinery

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

Widely regarded as the biggest trendsetter when it comes to entertaining content, the short-form video content platform, TikTok, has become the new home for viral content. The game mechanics are simple: players trade fidget toys and aim to get the best trade. The secret to its success? received over 56M video views. Self-Expression.

Build 130

Build Mechanics Mobile Gaming Puzzle 130

Game Refinery

JUNE 21, 2023

An example of an exclusive reward offer bundle in Diablo Immortal The match3 puzzle game, Pet Rescue Saga , also has a good example of a reward-based IAP offer. The match3 puzzle game, Project Makeover, also features these offers as part of its Timed Makeover Challenge.

Mobile Gaming 48

Mobile Gaming Mobile Mobile Games 48

PreMortem.Games

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Cocoon, the intricate puzzle adventure by Jeppe Carlsen , known as the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside, launched to raving reviews after 6.5 The game immerses players in a captivating odyssey across worlds within worlds, beckoning them to master the art of world-leaping mechanics to uncover a cosmic mystery.

Puzzle 104

Puzzle Prototyping Art Communications 104

Game Refinery

SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

One of the most successful ways of doing this is by introducing meta elements – gameplay elements and mechanics from other game genres – into your game. Player motivations of casual players (source: GameRefinery SaaS platform). The player motivations driving the success of renovation and construction elements.

Mobile Gaming 130

Mobile Gaming Mechanics Mobile Mobile 130

Game Refinery

OCTOBER 26, 2023

The ever-changing nature of the mobile market means that new monetization mechanics are constantly emerging and evolving. One of the most popular monetization mechanics is the subscription-based battle pass , which was introduced via Valve’s DOTA 2 in 2013 but popularized by the worldwide phenomenon, Fortnite.

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Mobile Gaming Mobile Mobile Co-op 241

Big Games

MARCH 27, 2025

This article compares these two platforms in detail and explores their features, benefits, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision. Although it mostly employs C++, it also provides a visual scripting language called Blueprints that lets programmers construct intricate mechanics without knowing how to code.

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Engineering Engine Game Developer Game Development 52

PreMortem.Games

JANUARY 24, 2024

Physics-based 2D platformer Bionic Bay is a collaboration between the Finnish one-man-studio Mureena and Taiwanese indie game company Psychoflow Studio. I thought that the core mechanic in this 2D game was extraordinary, so I contacted the developers. The Swap The initial idea that ignited the project was the core mechanic: The Swap.

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Pixel Art Mechanics Demo 145

Deconstructor of Fun

MAY 20, 2020

A bold move for Supercell, going against giants that continue to rule the casual puzzle space. The match 3 success trifecta generally consists of: a fun core match mechanic a good metagame with a clean sense of progression a new feature or innovation that brings something different to the space. Can Supercell succeed in this space?

Puzzle 52

Puzzle Mechanics Content Data 52

Logic Simplified

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Endless runners are possibly some of the most engaging games due to their mobile platform since they allow gamers to indulge themselves in the activities of a parkourminus the risk of face-planting. The Numbers Dont Lie Endless runner games have captivated mobile gamers worldwide, seamlessly blending simple mechanics with engaging gameplay.

Games 83

Games Mobile Mobile Mobile Gaming 83

Raph Koster

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

I thought it would be interesting to contrast this to Word Dad , a puzzle game made by my friend, master game designer John Cutter. A brief aside on puzzles All three of these are more correctly called puzzles, of course. This means that really, puzzles and games are terms that are matters of degree, not kind.

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Puzzle Build Games Data 112

PreMortem.Games

JUNE 28, 2024

Through innovative mechanics, they provide a unique perspective on dementia. Best in Gameplay – Puzzle Scout Developed by: Leti Arts (Ghana) A word search game based on great African history, revisiting the historic chain of African countries, civilizations, and tribes with young puzzle scouts. Download the game here.

Puzzle 104

Puzzle Art Mobile Gaming Games 104

Game Refinery

JANUARY 5, 2023

When a game with a unique style and appearance becomes a hit, it doesn’t take long for new games to emerge, hoping to emulate that success by using the same gameplay mechanics, visual style and features. Stumble Guys Player Motivations (Source: GameRefinery SaaS platform). Tournament options in Stumble Guys.

Mobile 130

Mobile Mobile Mechanics Feature 130

Game Refinery

JUNE 23, 2022

The onboarding period is the delicate phase where the player’s relationship to the monetization mechanics of the game is often decided – for better or worse. Introducing monetization mechanics through free samples. That is, while the player is still getting used to the gameplay mechanics and figuring out what their goal is.

Mechanics 130

Mechanics Mobile Mobile Point and Click 130

Game Refinery

OCTOBER 5, 2023

The game also features over 500,000 tactical puzzles alongside various interactive lessons and videos to help players improve their skills. Chess revenue and downloads in the US (Source: GameRefinery Platform) Perhaps the most significant development in Chess is its recent crossover with Clash of Clans and Clash Royale.

Mobile 130

Mobile Mobile Esports Games 130

Deconstructor of Fun

JUNE 3, 2019

The reason for this acquisition was the success of Small Giant’s hit game, Empires & Puzzles. Since mid 2017, Empires & Puzzles has raked in $260M in net revenues with only 34M installs. Empires and Puzzles regularly takes the top spot in Puzzle RPG category in the West (when Dokkan is having a post event hangover).

Puzzle 52

Puzzle Feature Build Balance 52

PreMortem.Games

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

He worked 5 years on his nostalgic 3D platformer Raccoo Venture , but according to Brazilian solo developer Diego Ras the journey was ‘extremely rewarding’. That’s how I worked on the level design and puzzles in Raccoo Venture, for example. Making games was something that seemed very far from reality”, he says.

Dev 163

Dev Advertising Internet Development 163

Cocos

AUGUST 8, 2024

Recently, YouTube officially announced a major update, declaring the full platform launch of its mini-games feature, YouTube Playables, available on all platforms (Android, iOS, and web), with dozens of selected mini-games built-in. Gameplay : 3D “Sheep Puzzle” elimination style Game Address : [link] 6.

Puzzle 52

Puzzle Engineering Engine Tile 52

Game Analytics

DECEMBER 20, 2022

Roblox is an absolutely massive platform, with over 32 million experiences and 52 million active users. They just make a game with a few mechanics, but without thinking about the social element. Roblox is a social platform. It’s less about the mechanics and more about how the players will be able to interact with one another.

Mobile Gaming 96

Mobile Gaming Bug Mobile Mobile 96

Deconstructor of Fun

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

In an ever-chaotic gaming business, Telegram seems to finally be a platform where a studio can launch with self-determination and have a real shot at a profitable game. Unlike many other messaging platforms, a good chunk of Telegram users are game-oriented. In fact, a reported 20% of Telegram users engage with games.

Games 52

Games Platformer Balance Mobile 52

PreMortem.Games

JANUARY 17, 2024

“It was all about puzzle design, analytical thinking, and understanding player agency and mechanics”, she says. Simpson found the Vol Up 2 opportunity on Upwork, an American freelancing platform, and gained other projects through referrals and Instagram views. Hard skills that I could make a living with.

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Pixel Art Animation Animation 160

Deconstructor of Fun

JUNE 24, 2024

Overall downloads have declined on both iOS and Android platforms , with Play Store downloads seeing a more significant drop. Puzzle remained strong by focusing on retaining its current user base through events and live operations. Sources: Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2024 Data.ai

Mobile 75

Mobile Mobile Games Mobile Gaming 75

PreMortem.Games

MARCH 8, 2024

We can take inspiration from content going viral on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and indeed, we have created hit games in 2023 by doing so. However, there will never be a shortage of content that goes viral on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. As a result, many publishers are struggling to find new game ideas.”

Games 104

Games Development Content Media 104

Game Dev Unchained

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Roblox, a platform that has exploded in popularity over recent years, offers a contrasting environment to a typical game studio. Studios like Roblox exemplify this, allowing users to create their own games within the platform, while more traditional studios focus on high-end graphics and immersive experiences.

Communications 59

Communications Puzzle Studios Demo 59

Logic Simplified

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Level design is a part of video game design that focuses specifically on designing game levels (an area or stage a player must complete before moving on to the next one) while keeping in mind the architecture, layout, video game mechanics , and pace to keep the players invested in the game. Define the gameplay mechanics.

Mechanics 64

Mechanics Games Playtesting Prototyping 64

Logic Simplified

AUGUST 8, 2023

Let’s take the popular example of Candy Crush Saga , a level-based puzzle game. Game designers must work closely with other development team members, like developers and artists, to guarantee that the video game mechanics and elements work together smoothly. Let’s take the example of Candy Crush again.

Game Design 86

Game Design Game Designer Art Prop 86

Deconstructor of Fun

APRIL 14, 2025

Candy Crush, puzzle games, and YouTube typically occupy this time to prevent boredom. Lock-In Systems The final piece of the puzzle is getting users to come back the next day - this is where Lock-In Systems come into play. Duolingo has 9M users on the platform with a streak lasting a year or longer. Lock-In System #1: Streaks.

Games 52

Games Feature Co-op Puzzle 52

Game Dev Unchained

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Roblox, a platform that has exploded in popularity over recent years, offers a contrasting environment to a typical game studio. Studios like Roblox exemplify this, allowing users to create their own games within the platform, while more traditional studios focus on high-end graphics and immersive experiences.

Communications 52

Communications Puzzle Studios Demo 52

OPM Jobs

JUNE 20, 2023

Lost Words: Beyond the Page Lost Words: Beyond the Page is a 2D platformer that transports players into the enchanting journal of a young girl named Izzy. You navigate the pages of Izzy’s diary, where written words materialise in the form of platforms and puzzles. Find it on Steam here. Happy National Writing Day!

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Writing Puzzle Art Games 52

AWS Games

JUNE 13, 2024

UEFN combines the power of Unreal Engine – an advanced real-time 3D creation tool for photorealistic visuals and immersive experiences – with the scale of Fortnite, a game platform with over 650 million players. Within UEFN, you can design, develop, and publish content directly into Fortnite using Unreal Engine’s proven tools and workflows.

Games 64

Games Engineering Engine Art 64

Ask a Game Dev

MARCH 13, 2023

You’ve already got one African Mythology-inspired Action RPG with card mechanics in development, you really don’t need a second slightly-different one. The pitched game is for a platform you’re scaling back on (or not supporting altogether). You’ve already got another major release planned for that release window.

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Esports Games Dev Puzzle 52

iXie gaming

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Familiarity with Nintendo Platforms Nintendo testing can be challenging. Therefore, you must be familiar with different Nintendo gaming platforms, like upcoming consoles and Nintendo Switch, to be successful. Also, understand the unique controls and features of the Nintendo platforms to ensure flawless Nintendo testing.

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Quality Assurance Platformer Console Communications 52

Logic Simplified

OCTOBER 23, 2023

However, creating a realistic gaming world needs planning, storylines, aesthetics, characters, visuals and sound design, as well as meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of specific gameplay mechanics. It is essential to define game mechanics, which refers to the systems that guide gameplay.

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Development Mechanics Games Game Design 52

Game Analytics

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

But if you haven’t, it’s the act of taking gaming elements and mechanics and applying them to your non-gaming app. Mix in quizzes and puzzles. Do some market research and test if a new feature or mechanic will work with your audience. They’re masters in the art of keeping users engaged and happy. So how can we learn from them?

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Mobile Mobile Education Educational 78

Deconstructor of Fun

OCTOBER 27, 2020

Playrix is one of the powerhouses in the puzzle genre thanks to Gardenscapes and Homescapes’ current success. Township has been on mobile platforms since 2013 and generated around a Billion Dollars in life-time revenues. This analysis is written by two unassuming Township players, Buğrahan Göker and Michail Katkoff. product management.

Co-op 52

Co-op Games Puzzle Point and Click 52

Big Games

MARCH 28, 2025

The simplicity of the 2D style laid the foundation for gameplay mechanics and player interactions, particularly in platformers and side-scrollers. Game Genres Ideal for puzzle games, visual novels, and platformers that require simplicity and style. These games used 2D sprites, with each frame presenting a specific pose.

Animation 52

Animation Animation Game Developer Game Development 52