Games have a problem. For most games, once you play through them, they have little more to offer. You’re done. There might be a new game mode, but a second playthrough isn’t all that exciting unless it gives the player a very different experience. On the other hand, gamers go back to other games and replay them again and again. What’s the difference? Depth and exhaustibility. Check out this article to find out what those mean, and how they can improve video games. Edge has the story.
Games within games. The basic idea is that systems to play with and explore are more interesting for gamers than content. Gamers will play through the same content if they can do so in a new and novel way. Meanwhile, more content, using the same systems, isn’t welcomed as warmly.
I’m still baffled by those recent mystery games that don’t randomize the evidence and suspects.