What Makes a Great Video Game? 5 Things You Need to Know to Create Your Own

Video games have been a pop culture staple for several years. Their audience ranges from young children who enjoy playing with their friends after school to working professionals looking to unwind after a long day at work. Video games can transport us into another world for a short time — as we take on characters and quests.

So what exactly makes a successful video game? Several critical components are involved in capturing your players’ attention and becoming popular in a competitive industry. In this article, we’ll explore what qualities make a great video game.

Credit: Pixabay – https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/how-to-make-a-video-game/

A Strong Storyline

While there are several details involved in greeting a successful video game, a solid storyline is one of the essential components. Players are looking to escape into another world and away from their daily responsibilities — with a detailed storyline, they can do precisely that.

There are even studies to support videogames as a teaching tool. Your storyline could play an important role here. Understanding the motivation behind playing your game will help you create a sustainable story that will keep your players engaged.

Quality Art

Video games are a visual medium, so it’s no surprise that creating a new game involves sufficient time and attention to the artwork and graphic design. From the locations to the characters and every detail in between, your visuals should be top-notch to keep their attention.

The world you’ve created is likely going to be multi-dimensional. With realistic, engaging graphics, you’re on your way to creating a fulfilling gaming experience for your audience.

The Entertainment Factor

If your game isn’t fun to play at the end of the day, you won’t last. Developing a popular video game takes more than storylines and graphics — if it isn’t engaging to play physically, you could consider it a movie.

Players are looking for characters with unique, exciting mechanics and controls.

The entertainment factor has developed into a micro-industry of its own — involving viewers watching players engage with their favourite games. Some YouTubers like Azzyland have built their following on watching and reviewing the industry’s top games — adding a unique entertainment element to the experience.

Balancing Challenges & Rewards

As you design your game, you want to consider the challenges your players will face throughout the experience and their associate rewards. While players often enjoy the many difficulties that come with removing characters from the game or advancing to new levels, you must ensure they receive adequate rewards along the way. Otherwise, it may not feel like an experience that’s worth their time.

If your game is too complicated, you may lose the interests of your players. On the other hand, if it’s too simple, it may feel uneventful, and they’re unlikely to pick it back up again. The goal is to make your consumer feel like the rewards they’re getting are worth the effort of completing your challenges.

This part of the process is a delicate balance, but once you establish where your compromise lies, you’ll have a great gaming experience on your hands.