Can a pet game have too many features?

[cpvr]

Pet games and sim games are known as "virtual worlds" to say the least, they revolve around features & content, which keep users engaged & entertained around the world based around them.

However, can a pet game have too many features, or is there a point where it can never have too many things to do? A pet site that has a wide amount of features and things to do generally keeps users around more often than not, especially if it has games, quests, or features that enable you to explore the vast world.

But, as a player, or a developer, what do you stand on this? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed if a game has too many features, or do you love when a pet game has a lot of things to do?

 

[Demon_skeith]

Of course, having too many features can turn people away. More simple games are better for people.

 

[Zani]

If there's a lot of things to do on pet games, it will be exciting at first but as you try them all, you will get overwhelmed. I like simple features because too many features get tiring.

 

[lens]

If there's a lot of things to do on pet games, it will be exciting at first but as you try them all, you will get overwhelmed. I like simple features because too many features get tiring.

Too many features in a pet game can be hectic. I think the free games are much more entertaining and less demanding in terms of the gameplay

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

It is possible for a pet site to have many features but it will become worse when those features are disconnected, I.e when there is no synergy. It makes the gameplay overwhelming.

 

[Zani]

Too many features in a pet game can be hectic. I think the free games are much more entertaining and less demanding in terms of the gameplay

Will I say that the too many features in some games especially the paid ones are to make sure you don't get tired of what to do. Free games are more entertaining and less demanding because there's no avenue for generating incomes.

 

[Ja sa bong]

Too much of everything no matter how good they look like isn't going to have positive results always. There's a possibility of having repetitive features because they are too many.

 

[lens]

Too much of everything no matter how good they look like isn't going to have positive results always. There's a possibility of having repetitive features because they are too many.

Too many features in pet games are a disaster. Free games like Neopets are easy and quite simple. All you need to do is feed, play, explore, and you are done.

 

[cpvr]

Too many features in pet games are a disaster. Free games like Neopets are easy and quite simple. All you need to do is feed, play, explore, and you are done.

Neopets has more features than any other pet site though. They have a lot of games, questing features along with economy-focused features that enable you to explore the virtual world. The feature-rich environment is one of the things that has kept Neopets going strong for years.

Feed, play and explore is more so a tamagotchi pet. You can just feed it and play with it, then you're done for a couple of hours. It's a simple virtual pet, but works well.

 

[Kross]

When a virtual pet game has too many mini games and complex progression mechanics, it definitely has too many features. That always erodes the core gameplay loop of nurturing virtual pets. I personally don't like such virtual pet games.

 

[lens]

There is nothing wrong in having many features in a pet game. The only thing is that the features should not cluster together and it should be pet-care focused.

 

[cpvr]

There is nothing wrong in having many features in a pet game. The only thing is that the features should not cluster together and it should be pet-care focused.

I do agree with this statement, but what type of features would you have that deal with the aspect of pet care?

What type of features would you have that keep users entertained and coming back? Pet games are considered "PBBG's" Persistant brower based games along with Virtual worlds, so they do need features that align with both of these concepts as well.

More features help a pet site drive in new users and they also, keep users playing. Without a decent amount of features, a pet site will have a tough time sustaining growth in the short term and long term.

 

[lens]

I do agree with this statement, but what type of features would you have that deal with the aspect of pet care?

What type of features would you have that keep users entertained and coming back? Pet games are considered "PBBG's" Persistant brower based games along with Virtual worlds, so they do need features that align with both of these concepts as well.

More features help a pet site drive in new users and they also, keep users playing. Without a decent amount of features, a pet site will have a tough time sustaining growth in the short term and long term.

Some of the essential petcare features actually include feeding, grooming and it even includes some emotional attachment activities too. This will help preserve the gaming experience and to entertain the players without sacrificing the real intent of the virtual world.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Some of the essential petcare features actually include feeding, grooming and it even includes some emotional attachment activities too. This will help preserve the gaming experience and to entertain the players without sacrificing the real intent of the virtual world.

You have a good point right there! The features are meant to enhance gameplay, not to make it overwhelming for the players. Feeding, grooming and emotional bond are the features designed to give depth and they should work smoothly so players will not become bored.

 

[lens]

You have a good point right there! The features are meant to enhance gameplay, not to make it overwhelming for the players. Feeding, grooming and emotional bond are the features designed to give depth and they should work smoothly so players will not become bored.

Too many features can totally ruin the fun. I’ve played games where there’s so much to do, you forget what the main goal even is. Feeding, grooming and a little mood features, that’s all you need. Anything more just complicates things.

 

[cpvr]

Too many features can totally ruin the fun. I’ve played games where there’s so much to do, you forget what the main goal even is. Feeding, grooming and a little mood features, that’s all you need. Anything more just complicates things.

Why's that? A pet site is a virtual world. The more things that a pet site has to do, the more immersive it becomes.

Neopets has strived for years because how immersive it is. The same thing applies for powerpets, Subeta and Marapets.

Without features, and various things to do, a user will get bored. You need features to make the game fun and entertaining.


So, no, I don't agree with your statement that too many features can ruin the fun. It can actually make the game more entertaining and fun.


Can you give me an example of a pet site that failed because it had too many features, and one that succeeded with only a few?

 

[Baw$e]

I think so, but too little features won't bring as much activity because players will get bored. As long as the core features remain the vocal point, you can still improve/expand going forward. No game/site should ever be truly complete.

 

[Alisa]

I think too many features can overwhelm players and dilute the core experience. When everything competes for attention, nothing feels meaningful.
The best pet games are the games that support the main loop instead of distracting from it.

 

[Milla]

I think too many features can overwhelm players and dilute the core experience. When everything competes for attention, nothing feels meaningful.
The best pet games are the games that support the main loop instead of distracting from it.

I think too many features can overwhelm new users, dilute the core experience, and make progression confusing. Players end up unsure what to do or what matters.