What makes a successful game?

[Akazukin]

General chit chat

What do you think are the reasons behind a successful game?
The graphics, 3D audio, game design?

I think that it is "The ability to make everyone feel important" - a play level balance.

Taking Starcraft for example, the starters are able to rush with zerglings, or to defend with a bunker. They stand some chance to win. In World of Warcraft, no matter what level you are, you'll be working to get an item upgrade, and you'll feel happy once you got them. Everyone is feeling important, no matter which level they are.

In Counter strike, you can rush with mp5 like a pro, you can also camp with an awp as a starter.

Other games like Command and Conquer ? You'll be pwned easily without skill or knowledge of the map. As a result, it's not as popular. The graphics could be a lot nicer, the storyline could be more solid, but the game is not as successful.

What do you think makes a game successful, according to your own experience?

[K? Pŕo?ćtiόnŹ]

Put your **** in the right forum.

[Pure]

i think a successful game needs good graphics and interaction like (ex more moves)

[JeweyK]

A good plot.

[ViperSRT3g]

Originally Posted by JeweyK

A good plot.

I think this one reason alone is why Starcraft and Halo were such big hits. Their storylines are so deep, and so large, that some just play the games to learn more about the storyline.

But I think another large factor in a good game is of course, high replay value. Starcraft allows you to make your own custom maps. Halo has the option to do this, however limited it might be compared to SC.

[Mr.Lampy]

Graphics aren't the best thing for a game, for me a game can have bad graphics but as long as the story line is intriguing its a good game. Take for example FF12 (dear god :() had nice graphics but the whole license thing was kinda stupid and ruined the game for me, seriously who needs a license to wear a hat -_-. Then you have some games like Legend of Legia or Dark Cloud, who's graphics aren't that great, however I'd rather play one of those games over FF12 anyday.

[Dyndrilliac]

Violence, sex, and multi-player capability is what makes a successful game, but a successful game is not necessarily a good game.

[snazzy-razzy]

Story - Multiplayer - Replayability - Modding - Map making - Graphics

[CrazyGerbilEater]

Good advertising, good graphics, includes comic and violence elements(funny and violent), involves problem solving, challenge, makes the player feel like they accomplish somthing(awards, ranks, titles), replayable, customizable(able to reflect personality), works well on their own computer/system(no problems), able to socialize and/or challenge freinds, create clans, simple and easy to use interface.

[Bonum83]

a good plot, >>example god of war series, grand theft auto, startcraft, then comes in graphics for me.

[JeweyK]

Originally Posted by Bonum83

a good plot, >>example god of war series, grand theft auto, startcraft, then comes in graphics for me.

You think Grand Theft Auto has a good plot?

[SilentSymphony]

Games are simply missing the dedication and spirit shown by these fine gentlemen.

FRD actually listens to their fans and try to emulate what they want, now if you look at a lot of other game developers out there do they do this?

Maybe... if A LOT of people complain, and even worse they are always trying to re-invent things... when they could probably release a graphical update of so many old games, with a few new weapons and levels... and see such a huge profit margin..

And yes you mentioned something about balance Akazukin, so many games today are not very well balanced, and people tend to stick to one weapon or class or whatever.. in a sense i suppose we are losing the originality and diversity that we have known in the past IMO

I'll post some better thought out things later.. afk drinking myself to death.

[Eppie]

For me, graphics, gameplay, and plot are important. In that order.

I'm willing to make exceptions for truly great games that unfortunately have sucky graphics (StarCraft)