Everything Games’ sales are skyrocketing
Traditional wisdom in game development encourages the creation of unique, targeted experiences that can easily be pigeonholed: FPS, RPG, management games… Yet we are witnessing the emergence of ‘Everything Games’ – games in which (ambitious) developers seek to create multi-genre platforms that incorporate a variety of gameplay modes and captivate a much wider audience.
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A few examples? *Stumble Guys*, developed by Scopely, and *Eggy Party* by NetEase Games are games that could be described as simplistic but which offer a variety of gameplay styles: car racing, first-person shooters, deduction games, single-player quests… and ultimately have something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Why are ‘everything games’ so successful?
The consultancy firm Naavik analyses the success of an iconic example of the ‘everything game’: *Brawl Stars*, developed by Supercell, is a MOBA (a cute acronym for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) that now blurs the lines with social media and keeps its audience engaged thanks to its collection of items and wide range of game modes. Players can play basketball, football, or battle it out in an arena. A winning formula: maximum engagement and retention, coupled with organic growth. A viral sensation in classrooms, Brawl Stars has seen its revenue skyrocket: $66.8 million in turnover in March 2024, surpassing its other hugely popular title, Clash of Clans, for the first time.
How can we meet the demand for ‘everything games’?
So how can you capitalise on this trend? Let’s be clear from the outset: most games shouldn’t rush headlong into this diversification, as there’s a risk of losing focus early in development and ending up with unclear marketing messaging.
However, established games with a strong user base can enhance network effects and their game’s appeal by diversifying the gameplay. The conclusion? Perhaps providing new gaming experiences doesn’t necessarily require creating separate products: expanding and diversifying existing games can broaden the core gameplay, maintain – and ideally increase – engagement!