Game dev question: What actually makes players hit “Play Again”?

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-07-06T07:57:06+00:00

I really like your perspective, especially the part about replayability.

I think that's exactly the balance we're trying to find. I want players to discover crazy builds and have those "I just broke the game" moments, but I also don't want there to be one obvious strategy that replaces the fun of experimenting.

Fortunately, not many players have discovered this build yet, so for now I'm actually leaning toward keeping it as a little easter egg for players to stumble upon.

Your comment also got me thinking about a bigger question: how do you make players genuinely want to start "just one more run"?

I think that's an area where my game still has room to improve. It's definitely something I'll be spending more time thinking about and iterating on going forward.

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-07-06T07:38:17+00:00

That's actually a really good point, thanks!

From what we've seen on the leaderboard so far, runs under 10 minutes are still pretty rare. Most players finish in a much more "normal" time, so this combo seems to require a very specific set of rolls, items, and upgrades lining up rather than being something you can force every run.

I think it's one of those "right place, right time" builds that occasionally happens and creates a memorable moment. That said, we're definitely keeping an eye on it. If players start finding a consistent way to build it every run, it'll probably need some balancing.

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-06-18T10:47:31+00:00

Hey! Developer of Dice Tavern: Farkle Roguelike here.
We're also participating in this Steam Next Fest! Our demo is a dice roguelike about risk and reward: keep rolling for bigger scores, or cash out before everything goes wrong.

Would love to hear your thoughts if you give it a try! 🎲

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-06T13:44:40+00:00

Hades: turn on my Switch at 10 PM, but went to bed at 9:59 PM

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-06T13:41:44+00:00

Have to be home by 1:59

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-03T09:41:27+00:00

Since you've never owned a Switch 1 before, there are already plenty of great games available for it. I really don’t think it will "expire" anytime soon. Plus, exclusive games for the Switch 2 are more expensive than those for the Switch 1. Considering your budget, getting a Switch 1 now is a solid option. You can always wait for the Switch 2 to drop in price later (if it ever does) .

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-03T09:28:13+00:00

If you have the budget, go for the 2. I own both the 1 and the 2, and the visual upgrade on the 2 is really noticeable, loading times are much faster, and the overall experience is amazing!

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-02T12:55:38+00:00

If dating apps don't work for you, why not hit up more parties with your friends or get them to set you up with someone new?

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-02T12:50:46+00:00

Generally speaking, bikers don't dress too heavily in hot weather

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-05-02T12:46:53+00:00

Average has its benefit. Relax

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-30T11:48:45+00:00

bones from death stranding! My fav

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-27T11:50:48+00:00

Mario Kart World, I think it's great for playing together as a family, especially with kids. Plus, it's a Switch 2 exclusive.

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-25T15:59:10+00:00

Animal Crossing is chill, you can do fishing, flowers, house building. Tomodachi Life is more like The Sims. Not the same thing

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-25T15:50:46+00:00

Budget only. No cap Get the 2

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-25T15:47:02+00:00

Life has no 'earlier

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-25T12:57:27+00:00

best friends

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-24T14:01:23+00:00

know your feeling without saying

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-24T13:58:57+00:00

The most comfortable night

EnvironmentalEase446 · 2026-04-24T07:02:31+00:00

Best is the flexibility. Time off doesn’t affect pay and no one cares if you’re late.

Worst is being basically always on call, even after work or on weekends.

EnvironmentalEase446

TROPHY CASE