Game Growth Lab Issue #8: The Power Of Good Game Design

Welcome back to Game Growth Lab!

In this newsletter, we share the latest mobile gaming industry trends, provide actionable tips for growing your games, and share the stories of developers who turned their games into hits.

This issue focuses on the intricacies of game design, emphasizing the importance of the core loop in creating engaging and successful games. From our main article on simplifying core loops to our exclusive game design course and a podcast episode on IP collaborations, this edition is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to take your game development processes to the next level.

When you’re building a game, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds of the process, and therefore all the more important to take a step back and look at the big picture. That’s where game design principles come in, from the need to simplify the core loop, to the importance of keeping fun at the heart of the game. 

👋 Enjoy our eighth issue. Happy reading!

Simplifying the Core Loop in Game Design

Andrew Woodruff Head of Product and Publishing | Yodo1 Games

Core loops in games are broken. Most visualizations of gameplay are tangled webs of progression, actions, rewards, and currencies. This complexity can hurt retention, limit revenue, and complicate development.

Andrew Woodruff, Head of Product and Publishing at Yod1, advocates for a simple, clear core loop that aligns the whole team and keeps players engaged. By simplifying the loop, developers can create a self-sustaining cycle driven by players’ desire to progress.

Practical Explanation of the Core Game Loop:

1. Action: The player performs an action, such as attacking an enemy or completing a task.
2. Reward: The player receives a reward for the action, such as experience points, in-game currency, or items.
3. Investment: The player invests their reward into the game, such as upgrading abilities, purchasing items, or unlocking new content.

Why Simplify the Core Loop?

• Improved Player Retention: A clear and straightforward core loop keeps players engaged and reduces churn. Players can easily understand what to do next, which motivates them to continue playing.
• Better Development Alignment: A simplified core loop helps the development team focus on key gameplay elements, making it easier to balance and enhance the game.
• Data-Driven Adjustments: Simplifying the core loop allows for more accurate data analysis, helping developers make informed decisions to improve the game's balance and player satisfaction.

By streamlining the core loop, developers can create a self-sustaining cycle that keeps players coming back. Fine-tuning the loop using real gameplay data ensures optimal balance and player satisfaction.

Want to dive deeper into simplifying your game’s core loop? Read more

Take Our Course on Game Design

Simplifying the core loop is a crucial step toward creating engaging and successful games. To further enhance your game design skills and boost your game's success, take the next step with Yodo1's free course, "Game Design Best Practices Used by the Pros." Learn from the creators of hit games like Rodeo Stampede and Ski Safari. Led by Luke Priddy, this course covers every phase of game development, from pre-production to post-production. Master the art of crafting compelling game ideas, developing a robust Game Design Document, and planning a seamless monetization strategy without disrupting player experience.

Transform your game design skills today! Sign up for free

Podcast Highlight: Behind the Game - Game Design Principles with Brian Woodruff

In this episode of the Behind the Game podcast, Brian Woodruff, a seasoned game designer currently working at Kabam, shares his insights on fundamental game design principles. He emphasizes the importance of understanding player motivations, creating engaging game mechanics, and the role of fun in game design.

Brian’s discussion with Sandy Smith , Game Marketing Lead at Yodo1, uncovers valuable insights for both novice and experienced game designers, offering practical advice on creating compelling and sustainable games.

That’s all for this month’s issue of Game Growth Lab. Stay tuned for more expert insights, tips, and stories to help you grow and succeed in the gaming industry. See you in July!