What makes a game replayable?

What Makes Games Replayable?

Are all games replayable? Well, no. Some games lend themselves to being replayed more than others, but even games with flimsy replay value have the power to change our minds and compel us to return to them. We’ve all played games that we’ve thought would be replayable, only to realise that they’re not, but there’s a lot more to replayability than we think.

Games featuring multiple endings or choice/consequence systems are the most replayable, with branching plotlines and flexible team/army compositions also increasing replayability. Shooter games can become repetitive, however, while some of us don’t find replaying games enjoyable and are deterred by time constraints or the desire to explore new games. In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes games replayable, and how replay value is defined.

Defining Replayability

We define ‘replayability’ as the extent to which players are motivated to replay a game. If a game has high replay value, users will feel compelled to replay the game to experience a different story or gameplay style. If a game has low replay value, you’d be better off playing a different game.

Replay value is affected by personal preferences, the atmosphere of a game, ADHD, nostalgia, a strong endgame focus, exceptional quality, good decision-making options, different playable characters or playstyles, satisfaction of the gameplay loop, post-game feeling, and unreliable internet connections. Games that are replayed multiple times due to their captivating stories and gameplay are said to be replayable.

The Factors that Influence Replayability

Games with high replay value are typically those that allow you to replay a story or experience a gameplay style that differs from the first run. There are a number of reasons why some games are more replayable than others, including the following:

• Captivating Stories and Gameplay: We’ve all played games that we thought would be replayable, only to realise that they weren’t. I thought Dragon Age: Origins would be replayable because it has a branching storyline and multiple playable characters, but I just never felt the urge to replay it. On the other hand, I’ve replayed Mass Effect 2 more times than I can count. It must be the story and the gameplay that kept me coming back for more.
• Personal Preferences: The most replayable games are typically those that have captivating stories and gameplay, but that’s not to say that other games aren’t replayable. Even games with flimsy replay value have the power to change our minds and compel us to return to them. It’s not about how many of us are playing the game, but how much we’re enjoying it.

Takeaways for Game Developers

If you’re a game developer, it’s important to understand the different types of replay value so you can design games with the right balance of replayable elements. Replay value is a broad concept, and it’s important to understand what replay value is and how to improve it.

If your game is lacking replay value, it could be because of the following:

• Insufficient Storytelling: The story is a crucial aspect of a game's replayability. A captivating and well-crafted story can motivate players to replay a game multiple times.
• Lack of Player Agency: Players want to feel like their choices matter. Including choice/consequence systems and branching plotlines can greatly enhance a game's replayability.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Shooter games, for example, can become repetitive over time. Offering diverse gameplay experiences or introducing new mechanics can make a game more replayable.
• Time Constraints and Exploration: Some players may be deterred from replaying a game due to time constraints or the desire to explore new games. Providing shorter playthrough options or adding new content can address this issue.
• Technical Issues: Bugs and glitches can significantly impact a game's replay value. Ensuring a bug-free experience will encourage players to replay the game.