How to Find Winning Hyper Casual Game Ideas
So, you’ve decided to create a hyper casual game. The key to crafting a game that captivates players, drives installs, and boasts impressive retention rates lies in finding the perfect concept. But where do you even begin?
It’s important to remember that no idea is truly original, and every game is simply a reimagination of something that came before it. So, keep your eyes peeled and stay curious. Inspiration can come from anywhere — from the world around you to your own experiences. Once you’ve stumbled upon an idea, make it your own by adding, subtracting, or blending elements to make it unique.
Mastering the art of ideation means actively seeking out new concepts through brainstorming, asking questions, and pushing yourself to think beyond the norm. This approach will make it easier to find ideas, including those for hyper-casual games.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of finding hyper casual game ideas. Here are 7 tried and true methods to help you uncover the next big hit:
1. Reverse engineer successful hyper casual games
Don’t waste time trying to reinvent the wheel. Take a closer look at the current kings of the hyper casual scene. What’s at the top of the charts? Download and play the most popular games to get a better understanding of what’s working. Keep track of your findings by creating an Excel file to document all the crucial details. What are the games’ names? Who are their publishers? What sub-genres do they belong to? Are they runners, simulators, or puzzles? What mechanics do they use? Is it sliding, tapping, or a combination of both? What’s the story or theme behind the game? Is it war, money, or something trendy like DIY? Use this information to spark new ideas and see how you can put your own spin on these elements in your next game.
2. Borrow ideas from different game categories and genres
Expand your horizons and think outside the realm of hyper casual games for inspiration. The world of gaming is vast and full of potential ideas. Take inspiration from PC games, console games, or even classic Atari games. The gaming industry is built on taking inspiration from other successful games. For example, Angry Birds was inspired by the Flash game Crush the Castle and the console game Frogger inspired the mobile game Crossy Road. So, don’t be afraid to explore flash gaming sites or search for Atari games on YouTube for inspiration.
3. Keep up with the latest developments in the gaming industry
Stay ahead of the curve by following the latest industry news. The gaming world is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends, upcoming games, and industry developments can give you a competitive edge. Follow game news sites like GamesRadar, Pocket Gamer, Mobidictum, and TechCrunch to stay in the loop. Additionally, many game studios share insights, news, and reports about their latest developments, so following them can also help you stay updated on the industry.
4. Unlock the power of the crowd
Join the conversation and unlock the power of the crowd. Dive into gaming communities and forums to feed your creativity. Connect and collaborate with other game developers by sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas. Check out new game prototypes and get feedback on your own games to see what other gamers are working on. Actively participating in gaming communities on Facebook or LinkedIn can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and mechanics and brainstorm with the best in the industry. Be part of the gaming communities to share know-how and exchange ideas to boost your creativity.
5. Explore Game Jam Winners for Inspiration
Give a chance to Game Jam Winners, they’re the hidden gems of the industry. These events bring together developers from all backgrounds to turn their ideas into reality, and if a game takes home the prize, it’s a clear indication of its potential. From the latest jam winners on YouTube to community favorites on various forums, there’s a wealth of inspiration in the world of game jams. So, dive into the depths of the industry by checking out game jam winners and see how you can use their techniques and ideas to elevate your own creations.
6. Stay on top of the social media game
Don’t just scroll through your feed aimlessly; use it to your advantage. The hottest trends on TikTok and Instagram can be a goldmine for new hyper casual game ideas. Keep an eye out for viral videos and popular hashtags and think about how they could be turned into a playable experience. From Phone Case DIY to Tie Dye, some of the most successful hyper casual games have been inspired by social media trends. So, stay ahead of the game and use social media for inspiration and ideation.
7. Make games and document your learning journey
Forge your own path to success by creating games and documenting the journey. As you develop your games, you’ll gain valuable insights and learn from your failures. Experiment with different concepts, identify areas for improvement and discover new possibilities, all of which will contribute to finding even better ideas in the future. And be sure to keep track of your progress. Documenting your journey will also help you sharpen your ideation skills.
Final Thoughts
Unearthing a winning game concept is the initial step in your quest to create a hyper casual hit. By mastering the art of idea generation, tapping into the right resources, testing and refining your concepts, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the perfect game idea that will captivate your audience. With the right mindset and approach, the possibilities are endless.
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Contributors: Hilal Bakanay & Yucel Bayram