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I recently came across an incredible article from GameDeveloper about designing game economies, written by Alex Karpenko who has worked on games grossing over $150M. The author shares a comprehensive handbook with practical tips and strategies for balancing in-game economies, and I thought it’d be worth discussing.
Key Takeaways:
1. Start Simple and Iterate:
• Begin with straightforward systems.
Overcomplicating early on can lead to design and balancing headaches.
Build a strong foundation, then add layers of complexity.
2. Focus on Player Motivation:
• Understand what drives players. Are they chasing achievements, progressing through a story, or competing against others?
The economy should align with these goals to enhance the gameplay experience.
3. Balance Earnings and Spending:
• A well-designed game economy ensures players feel rewarded for their efforts without creating inflation or unintentional resource hoarding. Monitoring metrics like earning rates and sink efficiency is crucial.
4. Avoid Pay-to-Win Traps:
• While monetization is essential, fairness is key. Players should feel their purchases are optional enhancements rather than necessities to progress.
5. Test and Adjust Regularly:
• No economy is perfect at launch. Track player behavior, listen to feedback, and tweak the system to keep it engaging over time.
• Have you ever played a game where the economy felt either too punishing or too generous? How did that impact your experience?
• For devs in the group, what challenges have you faced when designing or balancing in-game economies?
• What are some games you think have perfect in-game economies, and why?
Check out the full article for more details: Featured Blog | I designed economies for $150M games—here's my ultimate handbook
Key Takeaways:
1. Start Simple and Iterate:
• Begin with straightforward systems.
Overcomplicating early on can lead to design and balancing headaches.
Build a strong foundation, then add layers of complexity.
2. Focus on Player Motivation:
• Understand what drives players. Are they chasing achievements, progressing through a story, or competing against others?
The economy should align with these goals to enhance the gameplay experience.
3. Balance Earnings and Spending:
• A well-designed game economy ensures players feel rewarded for their efforts without creating inflation or unintentional resource hoarding. Monitoring metrics like earning rates and sink efficiency is crucial.
4. Avoid Pay-to-Win Traps:
• While monetization is essential, fairness is key. Players should feel their purchases are optional enhancements rather than necessities to progress.
5. Test and Adjust Regularly:
• No economy is perfect at launch. Track player behavior, listen to feedback, and tweak the system to keep it engaging over time.
• Have you ever played a game where the economy felt either too punishing or too generous? How did that impact your experience?
• For devs in the group, what challenges have you faced when designing or balancing in-game economies?
• What are some games you think have perfect in-game economies, and why?
Check out the full article for more details: Featured Blog | I designed economies for $150M games—here's my ultimate handbook
