Game Mechanics Explained

Game Mechanics Explained breaks down the systems that make indie games tick, using concrete examples from titles in our catalog. Each page takes one idea — a loop, a progression system or a storytelling technique — and shows how it works in three to five games, how to get more out of it and the mistakes that trip players up. The pages are written for players who want to understand why a game feels the way it does and play it better as a result. Counter horror explains the inspection loop behind doppelganger games and their cozy cousins. The progression page compares stamina feathers, incremental upgrades and real-time growth. The story page covers branching chapters, file-based tricks and environmental storytelling. Every example links to its game page, and the horror games, simulation games and story games categories collect similar titles.