Why Are Mini & Short-Form Games So Popular?
Video games are a cornerstone of the entertainment world. That being said, the gaming world is incredibly diverse. The sheer range of titles available on the market in 2024 highlights the varied interest in all types of games.
From hyper-competitive MOBAs and FPSs to more immersive open-world RPGs, the industry is supported by dozens of high-profile releases and their millions-strong fanbases. But that’s far from the whole picture. Over the last decade, mobile games have risen to prominence across the world.
And they’ve brought with them a proliferation of new types of games. One of the most popular is the hypercasual category of short-form and mini-games. These games are designed for short playing sessions rather than spending hours in front of the computer or a console. And despite being small, they pack a punch.
For example, online slots fit perfectly into this category. This highly popular casino game includes one mechanic: the spin button. After prompting a spin, players watch the reel take off and wait for a combination to hit. With bonus rounds and added features, slots cover a wide range of themes despite being short—from vampire romances to mythological quests.
The same goes for match-threes. Though match-threes include a very simple setup of swiping symbols around a grid, they’re endlessly playable. Like slots, they cover a deceptively broad range of content despite the straightforward mechanics. From the pastel world of Candy Crush Saga to the royal realm of interior design in Royal Match, there’s a match-three for everyone.
But it begs the question—just what makes these types of minigames so playable?
A Low Barrier for Entry
The main reason why short-form games are popular is that they have a low barrier to entry. In other words, even if someone has never played a video game or wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves a gamer, they should be able to easily learn the ropes of a short-form game.
In fact, most are developed with these beginners in mind. This not only brings on players of all experience levels, but also all ages. Part of the reason why mobile gaming has taken off is thanks to unlocking the over-40 demographic that previously wasn’t as active in the gaming industry.
Playing On the Go
Another reason why short-form games are popular is thanks to their mobile nature—as in, most were designed for mobile play, allowing gamers to take their favorite titles with them in their back pocket. No need to shell out hundreds for expensive gaming hardware. Instead, it’s baked into the average smartphone.
This component also harks back to the low barrier for entry. Because the average smartphone has limited gaming capabilities, developers must make do with a small touchscreen. While there are mobile eSports titles available on the market, the vast majority of mobile games are designed for casual play.
A Focus on Relaxation
Speaking of casual play, that’s yet another reason why players around the world gravitate toward these kinds of titles. Overwhelmingly, they aren’t designed for hypercompetitive and fast-paced gaming. In fact, it’s the opposite. Many minigame developers avoid the type of complex mechanics and quick-moving dynamics found in competitive mobile games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Instead, the pace is leisurely to encourage players to relax.
Range of Short Games
The examples of online slots and match-threes mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the range of short games available. Along with these games, other popular categories in the short-form space include word puzzles, visual puzzles, simulations, side-scrollers, trivia challenges, sports, art, and more.
Social Features Add to the Fun
Lastly, many mini-games offer some sort of social feature. That might be a more developed feature like a chatroom between players or something broader like a leaderboard for the region. Regardless, the goal is to make the minigame feel more inclusive and social. The more social features, the more popular the game usually is.
