It's not often you want to walk into a game and just get your ass handed to you. With the exception of the fan base of Dark Souls most gamers don't tend to want to have to deal with punishing mechanics that will drive any sane person to consider watching Murder She Wrote marathons over playing a game. One of the winning formulas that many have adopted, and I think has helped with many games, is a low floor/high ceiling approach.
What I mean when I say low floor/high ceiling is that the game play offers quick and easy access to everyone while at the same time offering a level of gameplay that only the truly dedicated will ever reach. Let's take Smash Brother popularity versus Street Fighter. As of today, the last copy of Smash Brothers on the Wii U sold 5.4 million copies while Street Fighter V has today only shipped 1.7 million units. There are several other factors that could have lead to these specific sales but its a trend that I would argue has a lot more to do with ease of entrance vs the actual game itself.
While both games have their own pace, they both require timing, knowledge of moves, and anticipating and reacting to an opponent. The greatest difference is the amount of time it takes to even feel like you are at a base level of game play. Smash Brothers provides quick direction plus button movements that anyone can easily get into. This is completely contrasted to the thumb gymnastics that you have to do to perform the attacks you need to survive in Street Fighter.
Another great example of a game with a low floor and a high ceiling would be a MOBA. Along with most of them having a zero price point to entry, they are pretty easy to get into and start playing. The ranking systems help immensely with keeping people engaged in the game. The new players can learn to play with people on a similar skill level and find themselves working up the ladder after getting better. This is a very high ladder and now even has prizes at the top in the form of Esports.
This concept seems to be why a lot of card games have a problem keeping that initial crowd. If you make the game complicated with a lot of moving parts it is great for those who know how to play or have the patience to learn but is demoralizing and ultimately a turn off for those starting out. There are so many of these games online right now and I have tried a few. The problem is, I get into the game, see the cards and the millions of spells, and really just don't feel like putting in the time. I am so jaded with them I have The Elder Scrolls LEGENDS on my pc and have not played.(now I most likely will) It probably is an OK game in the end but the gate to entry required in this genre is too much time.
For me, this low floor/high ceiling concept seems like the best gametype. By allowing people to easily step into the game, get some early success, and learn the higher concepts gradually, you create a better overall and more comforting experience to the player. It is the happy middle ground for not just your hardcore players but casuals. Unless you are making Dark Souls and you really just want people to hurt on the inside.
Another great example of a game with a low floor and a high ceiling would be a MOBA. Along with most of them having a zero price point to entry, they are pretty easy to get into and start playing. The ranking systems help immensely with keeping people engaged in the game. The new players can learn to play with people on a similar skill level and find themselves working up the ladder after getting better. This is a very high ladder and now even has prizes at the top in the form of Esports.
This concept seems to be why a lot of card games have a problem keeping that initial crowd. If you make the game complicated with a lot of moving parts it is great for those who know how to play or have the patience to learn but is demoralizing and ultimately a turn off for those starting out. There are so many of these games online right now and I have tried a few. The problem is, I get into the game, see the cards and the millions of spells, and really just don't feel like putting in the time. I am so jaded with them I have The Elder Scrolls LEGENDS on my pc and have not played.(now I most likely will) It probably is an OK game in the end but the gate to entry required in this genre is too much time.
For me, this low floor/high ceiling concept seems like the best gametype. By allowing people to easily step into the game, get some early success, and learn the higher concepts gradually, you create a better overall and more comforting experience to the player. It is the happy middle ground for not just your hardcore players but casuals. Unless you are making Dark Souls and you really just want people to hurt on the inside.
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