Video games are a form of art(combining visual and performing arts) and we know that all art is subjective, you like what you like. However every good art has core elements like negative space, proportion, value, composition etc. therefore if we tried to find some dominant features across successful video games, it shouldn’t be impossible.
Tetris
Intense, violence, blood, gore and an insane story are core elements of a good game.
- Tetris, however, has a simple yet evergreen gameplay that is easy to understand and has a story that never gets in the way of gameplay.
Challenge, Reward and Grand Theft Auto
Rockstar has mastered the balance of challenge and reward in their games
- From taking over zones and gangs on San Andrea’s to getting Diaz’s mansion in vice city or being filthy rich in liberty city the balance ensures that players feel a sense of accomplishment after overcoming a difficult mission or level
Honorable Mentions
Excellent sound and music
- Replayability
- The ability of a game to keep you coming back even after you’ve completed its campaign or story mode is critical to its success
- If you won’t play it again, then it wasn’t good the first time
Kratos’ Vendetta
A great story can keep the player immersed in the game, players become attached to the characters, and want to continue playing to see how the story unfolds
- This is especially important if a game is a single-player only experience
Finally
The intended audience is different from game to game. Consider the audience and give consideration to what is in people’s interest before making a game
- Currently available for free for a limited period: The Tomb Raider series(All 3), Star Wars: Jedi fallen order, Total War: Warhammer, World war z, FIA World Rally Championship
Sport titles and Realism
Realism is essential for sports games, but it doesn’t have to be the entire game.
- For a game to be great visually doesn’t mean it must be grounded in realism, but rather help to enhance the overall experience.
- The art style should fit the objective it pursues and the story it tells.
