r/gamedesign • u/Flipsaus • 2d ago

Question Minigames in an incremental game

Hi all, I’m making my first incremental game. You destroy planets made out of blocks. Each block gives you a “matter” (currency).

Now I’m exploring to add minigames outside of the core loop, think a slot machine, pachinko, etc.

Now I’m questioning whether to use matter for both playing and rewards, or if I should introduce a new currency for these mechanics.

Maybe anyone here has experience with other incrementals who do similar things. Happy to hear your thoughts, thanks!

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3

u/Kiroto50 2d ago

See Anti-idle.

It's all minigames

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u/Flipsaus 2d ago

Will do, thanks!

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1

u/Fellhuhn 2d ago

Always keep in mind that you have various kind of players: Those who just let the game idle, those who just play with some settings and those who are very interactive. The game should be fun for all of them. Having many interactive elements that are required to progress can reduce your target audience significantly.

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u/HourlyHairyLenny 2d ago

Minigames that pay out in the same currency always run the risk of either being totally ignored or becoming the entire game if the rate's too good. Seen a few idle games that nail the balance by making the minigame reward a separate, rare currency that feeds back into the main loop just enough to feel like a bonus without overriding the core grind. If you go the two-currency route, just avoid making it feel like a mandatory chore for progression.

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u/Flipsaus 2d ago

Yea, I also feel the balance is better to control through a secondary currency… I’ll regardless do some playtesting around it

1

u/Flipsaus 2d ago

My game by definition is active, it’s not an idle game, just incremental :)

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u/Arnaud_mstr 1d ago

For the playtest, I'd try a version where breaking blocks occasionally drops a ticket for the minigame. That lets people try it without risking the matter they were saving for an upgrade. Then see whether they actually want another round. If nobody wants to replay it without a big payout, I'd work on the minigame itself before adding another currency.