Why clicker games are simply great?
The clicker games (sometimes referred to as incremental games) genre is an established game genre with a substantial fan base. It has even a subreddit called incremental game with more than 60,000 members in it.
What is it that makes these games so fun to play? What's that secret ingredient?
Is it because of their straightforward gameplay style?
Is it because of that idle progressive nature of the game?
Well, before we get into that, let me tell you something. There is a big difference between a good clicker and a bad clicker game.
A good clicker game should give you a sense of strategic progression. Imagine a clicker game like this one; you start the game, never come back to it and only come back to the game after 6 months to see the game completed. That wouldn't be much fun, right?
It needs to have many more dimensions than just simply clicking. All of the actions should have different consequences. If there is only one method or avenue or progression, it is likely that the game is not very challenging and does not provide the same satisfaction as a "good quality clicker game".
(Image Credit: Kanoplay)
If we look at Mob Wars: La Cosa Nostra as an example, we can see that there are many different ways to make progress in the game. You can attack other mobsters, you can do jobs, you can complete challenges, quests and so much more. This variety keeps the game live and entertaining. There's always more than one way to get something done.
(Image Credit: Kanoplay)
You can also buy properties so that you make money in the game idly (when you are offline). Now, if the game was just about buying properties to save up and buy more properties, it wouldn't be very much fun. Of course, due to the nature of the clicker games, your character should always progress itself when you are offline, but there is a fine line here. Even though there is progress when you are away, the player should be able to make exponential progress and be strategic about those gameplay decisions when they are actually playing it. Otherwise, if the game put you away from the equation completely, playing that game would not be much different than watching your goldfish grow in your aquarium.
Another important aspect of clicker games is the social side. Just because it's a clicker game doesn't mean it can't have social elements to it.
Actually having the ability to chat with other players is essential since you can discuss those strategic decisions. You can get advice from a high-level player when you are a beginner or you can complete quests together with your familia or syndicate.
Do you remember Tamagotchis (apparently they are making a comeback)? Those beeping toys that scream if you don't look at them for 15 minutes? "Feed me or I die!" Yeah, so clicker games are definitely the opposite of that.
(Image Credit: Wikipedia.org)
Clicker games are great stress relievers. They don't require your constant attention like a pixelated digital baby creature that lives in a plastic case. You can stay current while you are at work or school. You can play it while you are watching TV. You can take a break and come back to see the summary of your earnings when you are away, and you can do all of this at your own leisure at a time of your choosing.
So, these are some of the things that make clicker games simply great. What else do you enjoy the most about them? Reach us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know!