Why Some Games Should Have Stayed Small

Scalability is often considered a guarantee of success. But not all games benefit from their size or complexity. In this blog post, we explore why some ...

games may have had a greater impact by staying small and focusing on core mechanics. We explore the reasons why some game developers deliberately keep their projects small and how these decisions can lead to a more satisfying gaming experience.

1. Enhanced Focus and Tight Gameplay
2. Reduced Development Time and Cost
3. Improved Accessibility
4. Encouraging Creativity and Player-Generated Content
5. Deepening Player Engagement
6. Preserving the Original Vision
7. Building Stronger Communities
8. Conclusion

1.) Enhanced Focus and Tight Gameplay

- Smaller games tend to have a laser-like focus on gameplay mechanics. This allows for tighter loops where players quickly understand the rules of engagement, enhancing their skill in decision making and strategic planning.

- Example: -Tetris- is a classic game that remains simple yet immensely engaging due to its straightforward rules and rapid gameplay pace. Its small size ensures it doesn't overwhelm players with too many elements or options.

2.) Reduced Development Time and Cost

- Managing smaller projects means less resource consumption, both in terms of time and money. This allows developers to iterate faster, refine the game more efficiently, and potentially release updates or expansions without breaking the bank.

- Example: -Pillars of Eternity,- a remastered version of an old school RPG, had its development costs significantly lower than that of large-scale releases, which in turn allowed for better focus on gameplay mechanics and story depth.

3.) Improved Accessibility

- A smaller game is easier to learn and play, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This can lead to increased player engagement and satisfaction from overcoming challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

- Example: -Celeste,- despite its relatively simple pixel art graphics, offers complex platforming mechanics that are approachable yet challenging enough to maintain interest for hours.

4.) Encouraging Creativity and Player-Generated Content

- Small games often foster creativity through mods or community creations, as players find new ways to extend the game's playability beyond what was originally intended by developers.

- Example: -Minecraft- allows for endless user-generated content via mods, custom maps, and player-created worlds, which significantly expands its longevity and appeal far beyond the original developer's vision.

5.) Deepening Player Engagement

- By focusing on fewer but deeper mechanics, games can create more immersive environments where players feel a stronger connection to the game world and their character's journey.

- Example: -Dark Souls- series excels in this regard; with its punishing difficulty and minimalist design philosophy, it demands player skill and encourages perseverance through engaging gameplay loops that focus on fewer but crucial elements such as combat and resource management.

6.) Preserving the Original Vision

- Smaller games often allow developers to stick closely to their original creative vision without succumbing to pressures of expanding too quickly or diluting the essence of what made the game fun in the first place.

- Example: -The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- was deliberately scaled down to focus on a single, epic quest that set it apart from other games in the series, enhancing its impact and replayability.

7.) Building Stronger Communities

- Small communities tend to be more cohesive and supportive as players find common ground based on shared experiences with fewer distractions or external factors influencing their interactions.

- Example: The community around -Doom- games is known for its passionate, competitive spirit; the game's focused design fosters a tight-knit group of gamers who enjoy each other's company and mutual respect in gameplay challenges.

8.) Conclusion

In conclusion, while larger games can offer expansive worlds and intricate stories, sometimes smaller games deliver more impactful experiences through their simplicity, focus, and depth. Developers like to keep things small because it allows them to create tighter, more enjoyable gameplay loops that resonate with players on a deeper level. As we continue to see the evolution of gaming, these carefully crafted, compact experiences remind us why complexity isn't always the ultimate goal - sometimes, less is just as effective and meaningful.

Why Some Games Should Have Stayed Small