At first glance, they may seem too simple to be important, but many people keep wonder: What are idle games?
Idle games, also called incremental games or clicker games, have found a unique place in gaming.
They offer a fun and addictive experience with minimal effort from players.
At Konvoy, a venture capital firm focused on the future of gaming, we see idle games as part of a larger trend in how people play and how developers create successful businesses around simple game mechanics.
Let's explore this genre further.
Imagine you’re playing a video game where you're running a lemonade stand.
At the start, you just tap to sell each glass. But then you can hire some help and grab machines.
This means the stand can work on its own, even while you sleep, and you can earn money.
This is what an idle game is: a game that plays itself and grows even when you're not playing.
So, to sum it up, idle games are all about:
Idle games are about growing resources automatically.
You start by clicking or tapping to earn coins or energy.
As you collect more, you can invest in systems that increase your resource production, even when you are not playing.
These are the features you’ll find in every idle game:
Some games are more popular than others, like RPGs, indie games, and AAA games.
However, idle games stand out on app stores and websites for a different reason (They remind us of Flash games)
Here’s the secret:
Idle games are easy to play, need no time commitment, and provide instant rewards.
More than that, they fulfill a deeper desire: watching numbers go up.
Players enjoy that these games are perfect for multitasking or relaxing.
They offer steady progress, even when offline, encouraging strategic thinking over time.
This mix of simplicity and strategy makes idle games great for both casual gamers and those who want more than just a quick break.
Here is a list of some of the most popular idle games:
Venture capital firms are interested in investing in idle games because they can make money efficiently by:
Unlike AAA games, which take years and big budgets to develop, idle games can be created by small teams and launched quickly.
This makes them good choices for early-stage investments.
The popularity of idle games reflects a larger trend in game development becoming more accessible.
Tools like Unity and mobile-first publishing allow solo developers to earn significant revenue with the right idea.
On the other hand, idle games are not just a trend.
As players want games that fit into their schedules without needing hours of attention, idle features are being added to other game types.
Even RPGs, management simulations, and strategy games are now using idle mechanics to keep players engaged and boost profits, so more angel investors and VCs are looking in this way when new companies are raising capital.
What are idle games?
Idle games are more than just ways to pass the time; they reflect modern game design and offer a real business opportunity.
As Konvoy continues to support innovative gaming startups, idle game developers are becoming an important part of the industry.
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