Game mechanics are rules or systems in a game. It’s what makes a game unique from the others. Aside from the story, it’s one of the things that people will remember most after they play a game. That’s why it’s important to use a game mechanic that’s interesting enough to make your game stand out.

Here are game mechanics that shine in the gaming arena this day and age.

Older game mechanics that still stand out

These game mechanics have been here for over a decade or so but they are still preferred by many gamers. With that, many developers these days use these concepts in creating games.

Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

Real-time strategy mechanics like resource gathering, base building, tech development tree, control of units, etc. are still used today in many games like World of Warcraft. This type of gaming mechanics has been around since the dawn of PC gaming, heralded by games like StarCraft, Yuri’s Revenge, and Red Alert back in the days.

Typically in an RTS, you control units and their structures to protect areas of the map and destroy the opponent’s base and assets. RTS games are often fast-paced which makes it fun and challenging at the same time.

Point and click adventure

Point and click is one of the earliest game mechanics. The game title that first introduced this interface is the Planet Mephius in 1983.  Since then, this concept has been used in many game genres like RPG and MMO. Normally, in a point-and-click adventure, the player uses a pointing device such as a mouse to click an area where the character should move. The player can also click non-playable characters or NPCs to initiate conversation with them. This makes them an essential aspect of the development of many successful RPG games in the past like Diablo.

4X

4X stands for explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Game titles that incorporate the 4x concept often place emphasis on economic and technological development to conquer an opponent or overcome obstacles. In a 4x game, players normally send units across a map to reveal unchartered areas. Also, they build and upgrade settlements, gather and utilize resources, and attack/destroy opponents. With that, 4x games typically require a great deal of micromanagement, which makes it challenging and fun for both experienced and new players. Civilization is a prime example of a 4x game. The game has just launched its sixth title and has received a lot of positive reviews.

First-person shooter (FPS)

From classic games like Half-Life, Wolfenstein, and Doom to modern day titles like Overwatch, first-person shooter is one of the most utilized game mechanics. FPS puts its emphasis on a gun or other weapons in a first-person perspective. Over time, FPS games have developed with the advent of advanced 3D and pseudo-3D graphics, and recently they are integrated with a multiplayer feature. This makes them more fun and challenging. 

Multiplayer feature

Multiplayer involves two or more persons in the same game environment. In a single player game, social communication is absent and the player fights AI-controlled enemies alone. Whereas, in multiplayer games, the players can interact and compete with other players. That makes them more inclusive, thus more enjoyable for many players due to social interaction it provides. Moreover, there are massively multiplayer games (or MMOs) which are networked or online multiplayer games that allow a large number of players in a game environment.

Current Game Mechanics

Game developers adapted older game mechanics and added interesting ideas to come up with new innovative concepts that appeal to gamers these days.

Survival

As a subgenre of action/adventure games, survival games feature an open-world setting with hostile elements.  With that, the player needs to gather and use resources, craft tools and weapons, and build a shelter in order to survive. Other survival games come with a sandbox feature that starts you with no resources or weapons, only with a few tools and a hostile environment. Examples of successful titles that incorporate these game mechanics are Terraria, Minecraft, and No Man’s Sky.

FPS+MMO+RPG

Recently, game developers figured out how to merge these three concepts together. The result is a fascinating gaming style that features the intensity of FPS games, the social interaction of MMOs, and the character development and the story of RPGs. Destiny and Borderlands are among the big breakthroughs on this concept.

Slow FPS

This is one of the most innovative game concepts as of late. It uses the mechanics of FPS and adds a little twist to the game’s pace. The twist is the game elapses when the player moves. This may come as a challenge for players and at the same time an advantage in order to survive and defeat hordes of enemies. The technique to surviving games with this concept is to plan your movements. One of the game titles that follows this concept is SUPERHOT which received a lot of positive reviews on Steam.

Block-building

If there’s one game that is associated with blocks, Minecraft easily comes to mind. Games with this theme put emphasis on building things out blocks. Together with survival elements like crafting, it becomes a fun and creative game. In recent years, many game designers use this concept and add their own spin like the 2D side-scrolling survival game - Terraria.

Single-player co-op

Cooperative gameplay isn’t only found in multiplayer games but also in single-player titles. In multiplayer games, a cooperative gameplay feature enables additional human players. Players have to work together as a team to beat human or AI opponents. Meanwhile, there’s also a co-op feature on single-player games that allows the player to control two or more characters simultaneously by the same controller. The first game title that introduced this feature is the Adventures of Cookie & Cream on PS2.

If you’re planning to make your own game and wants to make it a phenomenon, following this list may give you an idea on what to throw out that will challenge and entice modern day gamers. You can add your own element into the mix to make a unique twist to modern day gaming. Do know that the more engaging a game is, the more it will earn a huge following in the gaming community, that’s the secret of all the successful gaming titles in the past which made a mark in today’s gaming scene.

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This post was written by Reymart Sarigumba from iPrice group.