#tag11

The HC genre has established itself as a separate category divided into ultra-casual, idle, mergers, and other subgenres. Some have become mobile classics, but sometimes we see a new genre emerge in the HC scene.

You constantly need to test and iterate to produce successful games in the Hypercasual world. One of the primary metrics publishers are optimizing for is user retention. Developers’ desire to make users play their games longer has helped the Hybridcasual genre to appear.

Hybridcasual is a game category that combines simple HC gameplay with mid-core progression mechanics. One of the main Hybridcasual subgenres is Arcade Idle. It combines adventure-like arcade attributes with power progression and metagame systems from the Idle genre.

Arcade Idle is Hypercasual at the core: satisfying & simple core mechanic, combined with marketable visuals. The most successful Arcade Idle games involve players controlling an avatar using virtual joystick controls. The hybrid nature of Arcade Idle games is shown through the games’ progression system: players progress by unlocking a building, upgrading their character and their environment. That leaves room for deeper metagame systems than is traditionally the case in Hypercasual, increasing playtime, retention, and extending LTV. These factors translate into hybrid games with medium/low CPI but much stronger playtime metrics that can reach 30+ minutes.

What is fun about Arcade Idle?

According to Quantic Foundry’s model, these are the key factors that create motivation among gamers.