"More fake ads and eventually more mini-games around it. To cope with player expectations and retention, studios must make at least mini-games for famous fake ads."
I have been witnessing this first hand. Studios are being pressured to interrupt their FTUIs with mini game mechanics that dont fit into the core loops. Dont get me wrong, adding mini games is great when done correctly to give the players a break from the grind, but to just drop them in as a bait-and-switch is recidivous.
Also, just because it has the word mini in it does not make it cheap or fast. Game mechanise that feel right take time and money, even if it is a copy from another game.
It's a delicate balance for designers to strike, especially when testing with misleading ads (a creative necessity) versus integrating fake ads as mini-games that don't detract from the gameplay.
"More fake ads and eventually more mini-games around it. To cope with player expectations and retention, studios must make at least mini-games for famous fake ads."
I have been witnessing this first hand. Studios are being pressured to interrupt their FTUIs with mini game mechanics that dont fit into the core loops. Dont get me wrong, adding mini games is great when done correctly to give the players a break from the grind, but to just drop them in as a bait-and-switch is recidivous.
Also, just because it has the word mini in it does not make it cheap or fast. Game mechanise that feel right take time and money, even if it is a copy from another game.
Anyhow, insightful predictions!
It's a delicate balance for designers to strike, especially when testing with misleading ads (a creative necessity) versus integrating fake ads as mini-games that don't detract from the gameplay.
Thank you for the comment :)
Reflecting on 2024: Hits, Misses, and Industry Twists
Nailed It:
>> Mini-games and fake ads: Check. Their explosion was predictable but still staggering.
>> Embracer layoffs: Unfortunately, a forecast that came true.
>> IP-based events: Players are hooked, and top-chart games know it.
>> Alt Store and web store buzz: The decentralization trend is picking up speed.
>> Subscriptions? The market says “hard pass” on this monetization model.
Got It Wrong:
XX Fingerprinting by AppLovin—turns out they’ve mastered the art, proving me wrong.
Still a Mystery:
Vision Pro: Is it ahead of its time or just not its time yet?