Are you looking for ways to create mobile games that resonate with your target audience and generate buzz? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the art of crafting viral mobile games by leveraging the power of choice.
So how can you incorporate choice into your mobile game? Here are a few strategies:
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Branching narratives
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Multiple endings
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Dynamic difficulty
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Player agency
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Real-world relevance
1. Branching narratives
A branching narrative is a type of story where the outcome depends on the choices made by the player. For example, in a horror game, the player might have to make choices that determine whether they live or die. In a romance game, the player’s choices might determine who they end up with.
2. Multiple endings
This strategy works particularly well for adventure games or puzzle games where the player must make choices that lead them to different outcomes. For example, in the popular game “Life is Strange,” players’ choices determine the fate of the main character and the outcome of the story.
3. Dynamic difficulty
Dynamic difficulty is another effective way to incorporate choice into your game. This strategy involves adjusting the level of difficulty based on the player’s choices. For example, in a sports game, the player might have the option to play at an easy or hard difficulty level. However, if they choose to play at the harder level, the game might become more challenging or require different strategies.
4. Player agency
Player agency is another important aspect of creating viral mobile games. This refers to the idea that the player has control over the outcome of the game and can make choices that affect the story or environment. For example, in a role-playing game, the player might have the ability to choose their character’s backstory, skills, and abilities.
5. Real-world relevance
Real-world relevance is another effective way to incorporate choice into your game. This strategy involves making the game’s narrative or mechanics based on real-world events or issues. For example, in a political simulation game, players might have to make choices that affect the outcome of an election or political crisis.
Now that we’ve covered some strategies for incorporating choice into your mobile game, let’s look at some examples of games that have successfully used this approach.
1. “The Walking Dead”
“The Walking Dead” is a popular adventure game that uses branching narratives to great effect. The player’s choices determine who lives and dies, as well as the outcome of the story. The game has been praised for its emotional depth and replayability, with players eager to see how their choices affect the story.
2. “Life is Strange”
As mentioned earlier, “Life is Strange” uses multiple endings to great effect. The player’s choices determine the fate of the main character and the outcome of the story, leading to a highly replayable experience. The game has been praised for its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.
3. “Minecraft”
“Minecraft” is a popular sandbox game that uses dynamic difficulty to great effect. The player’s choices determine the level of challenge, with more difficult modes requiring different strategies and resources. This approach has made the game highly replayable, with players eager to see how their choices affect the game’s mechanics.
4. “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla”
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” uses real-world relevance to great effect. The player’s choices determine how they interact with historical events and figures, leading to a highly immersive and engaging experience. The game has been praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.