Secrets of the Roguelike and Roguelite Genres: Why Hades, Spelunky, and Vampire Survivors Are So Addictive / ITech content

Contents:

• Roguelike, roguelite and word allergies
• Elements of engagement in roguelike games

Roguelike games are extremely popular these days. The Steam section dedicated to this genre is updated with new releases weekly. Unusually successful projects like Vampire Survivors capture the attention of players, and trailers for anticipated hits like Hades 2 rack up millions of views. This surge in interest in roguelikes demonstrates that developers continue to experiment with gameplay mechanics and offer players engaging and varied experiences.

In this article, the editorial team of Gamedev at Skillbox Media analyzes why roguelikes attract so many players and effectively retain their attention. We will examine the key mechanics of roguelikes, their impact on gameplay, and how these elements can be applied to other genres. Understanding the appeal of roguelikes will help developers improve their projects and increase user engagement.

Roguelike, roguelite, and an allergy to words

According to Steam data, roguelikes, despite their repetitive nature, are capable of holding players' attention for a long time. For example, in the first Hades game, nearly 50% of players successfully completed the game, while in Dead Cells, only 48% of players reached the final location. This demonstrates high engagement and interest in the genre, which offers unique mechanics and replayability with new challenges. Roguelike games continue to attract attention due to their dynamic nature and content variety, making them popular among gamers. These results are impressive, as more diverse and visually rich blockbusters are completed by less than half of players. This trend is supported not only by statistics but also by the opinions of game designers. Youssef Fares, creative director of A Way Out and It Takes Two, expressed his dissatisfaction in an interview with Polygon: "It's crazy that people don't finish games. I can't be happy that 51% of players completed A Way Out, even though that's considered a high percentage." This situation highlights the importance of creating engaging gaming experiences that keep players engaged until the very end.

Roguelike mechanics are attracting the attention of major game studios creating high-budget projects. Examples of games like Deathloop and Returnal attest to the growing interest in this genre. This confirms the trend that roguelikes will only grow in popularity, opening up new opportunities for developers and players.

Roguelikes attract attention with their unique concept and gameplay mechanics. To understand the appeal of this genre, it's important to examine its key features. Despite their apparent simplicity, roguelikes generate considerable controversy, even among developers, reflecting their complexity and versatility. Players appreciate roguelikes for their random level generation, enemy and item variety, and high replayability. These elements create an unpredictable and engaging experience, making roguelikes popular with a wide audience.

The term "roguelike" originates from the game Rogue, released in 1980. In this game, players explored randomly generated dungeons, collected equipment, and fought various opponents in a turn-based mode. Rogue quickly gained cult status and became a model for developers of similar games. Despite the emergence of more modern and complex projects, it continues to be popular and inspires new generations of developers. The roguelike genre has become the basis for many games that use elements of random generation, strategic planning, and exploration.

The roguelike genre, like many others, has undergone significant changes over time. It has added new mechanics and sometimes abandoned traditional elements of the original Rogue games. These changes have led to confusion and debate about which games can truly be considered roguelikes. As a result, various subgenres and interpretations have emerged, making it difficult to define the genre and its boundaries.

In 2008, a group of developers at the International Roguelike Development Conference attempted to address the emerging problem in the roguelike genre. As a result, they identified several key principles of the canonical roguelike game, which went down in history as the Berlin Interpretation of Roguelikes. These principles formed the basis of modern roguelike games and became an important guideline for developers striving to create a high-quality product in this genre.

Many criteria in this area are quite general, for example, random placement of objects or gameplay difficulty. However, there are also more specific aspects. In particular, the definition of a "pure" roguelike assumes that the game world is presented in the form of a grid, and the combat system is implemented in a turn-based format. Games that only partially embody the principles of Rogue have over time come to be classified as subgenres of roguelite or roguelike-like. These subgenres are characterized by elements of random generation and progression, while maintaining the unique features of the original concept.

The complete list of roguelike criteria developed within the Berlin Interpretation encompasses key aspects that define the essence of the genre. These criteria help better understand what distinguishes roguelikes from other types of games and what elements make them unique. Understanding these criteria allows players and developers to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics and features inherent to roguelikes. Importantly, these criteria serve as a foundation for further development and analysis of games in this genre, and also contribute to the formation of quality standards and innovation in the industry.

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• Random generation of the environment.
• Permanent death of the character: after his death, the game must be restarted.
• Turn-based system: each action (one step, using an item or hitting an enemy) is one move.
• The game world is presented as a grid divided into tiles: the hero, each enemy and each object on the map occupy exactly one tile.
• Universality: all opportunities must be available to the player at all times and within the framework of a single game mode.
• Complexity of mechanics: the player must be able to achieve the goal in different ways.
• The ability to manage resources, which must be limited.
• The absence of mechanics that imply relationships between different types of enemies: they are all a threat only to the player's character.
• The ability to explore locations and find useful items, unlock new sections of levels; the level structure and item placement within them should change due to random environment generation.

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• The player's character is the only hero in the game: you cannot control two, three or more heroes; if your character dies, the game itself ends.
• Monsters have the same abilities as the player: they must use items, manage their inventory, cast spells, and so on.
• High entry threshold: any mechanic requires careful study, and the knowledge gained at the early stages of the game is insufficient at the later stages, where new opportunities appear.
• ASCII encoding: it is necessary to use it to create the standard visual style of a classic roguelike.
• The presence of dungeons consisting of many rooms and corridors.
• One of the interface elements is numbers describing the player's characteristics such as health and damage dealt; These indicators must be visible.

The strict restrictions imposed on the roguelike genre resonated with dedicated fans, but caused confusion among a wider audience. This is especially true in the context of the Berlin Interpretation, which seems out of place against the backdrop of the genre's growing popularity and its diverse mechanics. One of the most outdated requirements is the rule that the visual elements of all games in this genre must be made exclusively in the ASCII encoding style.

Interestingly, the authors of the Temple of the Roguelike blog, on the basis of which the Berlin Interpretation was developed, take a less strict approach to classifying games. They distinguish between traditional roguelike games and modern projects that have evolved from them, calling the latter non-traditional roguelikes. This division does not contradict the views of the authors of the Berlin Interpretation. In response to constant criticism, they emphasized that they created clear boundaries for the genre solely for research purposes and did not seek to limit the creativity of developers. Thus, the discussion of different approaches to the genre emphasizes its diversity and openness to experimentation.

The approach of the authors of Temple of the Roguelike is justified, since different definitions of roguelikes have their own meaning. Classic roguelikes, with their turn-based combat and ASCII graphics, still have a devoted following who appreciate the unique gameplay. Modern versions of the genre, in turn, have their own distinctive features, allowing players to easily distinguish them from other types of games. As with other genres, conventions may change in the future. However, today, many developers identify two key elements that define roguelikes in the broad sense: procedural level generation and permadeath, in which the player is forced to restart the game after defeat. These aspects make roguelikes engaging and unpredictable, attracting both old and new players.

The term "roguelite" has evolved in meaning over time. While roguelikes encompass all games containing these two core elements, roguelites are distinguished by the additional aspect of constant progression. This progression persists between game sessions, including situations in which the central character dies. Roguelite games offer players the opportunity to develop their skills and upgrade their characters, creating a unique experience and increasing replayability.

Engaging Elements of Roguelike Games

Roguelikes are a unique genre characterized by two key elements: repetitive gameplay and procedurally generated environments. At the beginning of each game session, players encounter the same mechanics and opportunities. However, thanks to random level generation, each game becomes unique, offering new scenarios and challenges. This combination of familiar structure and variety makes roguelikes appealing to players seeking new experiences and challenges.

To successfully complete a game, it is important not only to memorize external obstacles but also to deeply study the game mechanics. This will allow you to effectively cope with various threats, regardless of changing conditions. Understanding all aspects of the gameplay system will significantly increase your chances of success in the game.

Roguelike gameplay encourages the constant improvement of gaming skills. According to Tom Cadwell, a designer at Riot Games, the key to success in games of this genre is the continuous development of player skills. The developer notes that roguelikes often encourage a process known as Random Parallel Learning, or "spontaneous parallel learning." This occurs when a player simultaneously masters multiple mechanics and features in a game, leading to a deep understanding of the gameplay. Although this approach can take a significant amount of time, at some point the player may unexpectedly overcome difficulties that previously seemed insurmountable. This creates a sense of pleasure, emphasizes mastery, and holds the player's attention for a long time.

Not all systems with the potential for improvement evoke the same feeling. To successfully implement the concept of Random Parallel Learning, Tom Cadwell identified four key principles that can be observed in most roguelikes. These principles help create engaging and addictive gameplay while providing opportunities for player learning and development. When applied correctly, these principles contribute to a deeper and more engaging experience, making games not only entertaining but also skill-building.

• All or Nothing

The first principle Cadwell identifies is the concept of Hero or Zero, or "All or Nothing." This sense of power and superiority is common in a variety of games, but it is particularly pronounced in challenging roguelikes. Frequent death and failure become part of the gameplay experience, making failure familiar and expected. This mechanic not only motivates the player to improve their skills but also enhances the feeling of triumph in moments of victory. This creates a captivating gameplay loop where every success feels like a significant achievement.

The feeling of triumph in the game is largely determined by the character's available potential. If the difference between a normal run and a successful one is small, the player won't feel powerful. However, a significant difference will create a sense of strength and mastery, as choosing the right build requires a deep understanding of the game's systems. Such memorable runs leave a lasting impression and inspire new achievements.

Success can be emphasized with a "ceremony" element, which serves as an indicator of significant player achievement. Developers often achieve this effect through visual feedback: for example, damage numbers increase in size, and victory over a difficult enemy is accompanied by unique inscriptions. These elements not only enhance the sense of achievement, but also make the gameplay more engaging and memorable. Proper use of ceremonial elements can significantly increase player engagement and satisfaction with the game.

Modern game developers continue to develop the concept of "ceremony," making it a key element of gameplay progression. In roguelikes designed in this style, players earn significant amounts of currency for defeating challenging opponents. This currency is used to continuously upgrade their character, which fosters deeper engagement and allows players to develop unique strategies and develop their skills. This approach not only increases interest in the game but also creates additional opportunities for character customization, which becomes an important aspect of the gameplay experience.

Metaprogression in games is an important aspect that requires careful consideration. Too many opportunities to level up between runs can negatively impact player experience. If players begin to doubt whether their own skill or the time spent grinding led them to victory, this can diminish the sense of accomplishment. Balancing metaprogression is crucial to keeping players interested and engaged, ensuring that every success feels like a result of mastery, and not simply the result of game mechanics.

• Different tools for solving different problems

A systems approach to game design plays a key role in creating games that reward player mastery. When players encounter various obstacles that require an individual approach, they experience a sense of constant progress. Each action deepens their understanding of the overall game mechanics, which makes the gameplay more varied and creative. This design not only keeps the player interested, but also helps develop their skills, creating a fun gaming experience.

The Spelunky series exemplifies this approach. Beneath its apparent simplicity lies complex gameplay mechanics, where each new enemy and obstacle unexpectedly presents the player with a challenging situation. At the same time, the variety of tools available to solve Spelunky's problems opens up ample opportunity for creativity and experimentation. This not only makes each run unique but also encourages players to find new strategies and approaches, making the gameplay exciting and multifaceted.

• Conflicting Objectives and Strategic Approach

Roguelikes have a unique feature: the player's short-term and long-term goals often conflict. This necessitates careful analysis of every decision. In modern roguelikes, this aspect manifests itself in choosing the optimal build, which becomes a key element in successfully completing the game. Players must consider how each element of their strategy will impact their overall progress to achieve maximum results.

In Dreamscaper, players regularly encounter equipment with unique properties. For example, the game might offer to replace the standard dodge with a less effective one that provides a significant damage bonus for any weapon type. This creates an interesting choice: increase damage for short-term engagements or maintain an effective dash that will be useful in difficult boss battles. At the end of a level, players encounter an enemy that moves quickly across the map and has a complex attack pattern. In such conditions, skillful use of the dash can be a decisive factor for victory.

In this context, we can see how the principles described by Tom Cadwell interact with one another. A strategic approach, especially in the early stages of the game, forces the player to constantly analyze their actions. Over time, thanks to the Random Parallel Learning method, the player develops and learns to overcome obstacles more effectively. At a certain point, they begin to use less effective tools to achieve their goals, which opens up new opportunities for creating a unique build and enhances the sense of mastery. This process not only helps develop skills, but also deepens understanding of game mechanics.

• Randomness is not variability

When developing a game, according to Cadwell, it is important to take into account that players value variability. The roguelike genre implies random content generation, but the developers' task is not only to create a system responsible for randomization, but also to develop exciting and original game situations. This helps increase player interest and engagement, which is critical to successful gameplay.

The first run in Hades is specially scripted. In particular, the first gift that Zagreus receives always belongs to Athena. This decision simplifies the game for beginners, since Athena's abilities add parry to all moves, which allows the player to take less damage. If the gift were random, some players might encounter difficulties, as not all abilities are suitable for the starting sword the hero begins his adventure with. This approach provides a more comfortable start and increases the overall enjoyment of the game, allowing new players to more easily master the mechanics and strategies of Hades.

The genre's popularity is largely due to players' desire for constant progression. This is particularly evident in the large number of projects that have implemented leveling systems and resources for upgrading equipment. Such mechanics not only retain player interest but also encourage further progression within the game.

Classic roguelikes focused on player progression throughout the game. As the genre evolved, more and more games began to feature metaprogression, allowing for character upgrades between runs. These games, as mentioned earlier, are now classified as roguelikes. Roguelikes offer a unique gaming experience, combining elements of chance and strategy, making every session unique. This metaprogression adds depth and motivation, allowing players to develop their characters and unlock new abilities, which in turn increases engagement and interest in the gameplay.

This design significantly expanded the target audience. Hardcore gameplay, requiring constant skill improvement, requires perseverance and patience. As a result, players develop varied perceptions of a particular game. Some manage to complete it in a few tries, while others can't even overcome the initial levels.

The engaging elements mentioned by Tom Cadwell become ineffective for many players who lack the necessary skills. This leads to a loss of context, and the game loses its appeal, as each run feels like a monotonous corridor with an impenetrable wall at the end. Introducing a gradual character progression system could solve this problem, lowering the difficulty curve and giving each run meaning and purpose. This approach not only improves the gaming experience, but also helps to retain the interest of players, allowing them to enjoy the process and reach new heights.

Excessive emphasis on external progression can negatively impact the gameplay for both hardcore and casual players. If a roguelite offers overly powerful bonuses, the player loses a sense of responsibility for their achievements, and the game turns into an endless grind. It is important to maintain a balance between progression and gameplay interest to ensure an engaging and satisfying experience for all users.

To prevent excessive player progression, it is necessary to implement developmental restrictions. There are many options for implementing such restrictions. One of the simplest ways is to introduce "gatekeepers" - bosses or game situations that test the player's skills, regardless of their level. A striking example is the game Hades, where each new zone not only introduces new opponents but also increases the number of traps capable of inflicting significant damage. This allows the game to effectively test the player's spatial awareness and ability to find safe zones. If the player is unable to cope with these challenges, even a significant health boost will be of no help. This approach promotes deeper player engagement and increases the level of difficulty, which makes the gameplay more engaging and interesting.

Rogue Legacy features an interesting gameplay mechanic. It offers numerous opportunities to level up your character, but the player cannot immediately accumulate funds for all items. At the beginning of each run, all earned coins are lost, and the player is only able to acquire what they earned in one attempt. This approach creates a unique dynamic and strategy, forcing players to more carefully plan their actions and choose how to spend their resources.

Roguelikes attract users due to their convenience and comfortable gameplay. The gameplay loop of most modern roguelikes is typically no more than 30 minutes, making it easy for even casual players to find time to play. However, the appeal of roguelikes lies not only in their accessibility. These games offer unique gameplay experiences and variety, making each session engaging and unpredictable.

Gameplay loops play a key role in player retention, creating additional motivation to progress and imbuing events with meaning. Be on the lookout for titles with a single, distinct gameplay loop—many of these experience low retention rates. For example, Steam statistics show that only a third of Dirt Showdown players reached the first of four finals. This highlights the importance of diverse gameplay loops for successful player engagement and retention. Developing multi-layered gameplay mechanics can significantly increase player interest and their desire to continue playing.

Many replayable racing games exhibit a similar trend. The core gameplay can be engaging, but if short gameplay loops and individual races aren't supported by larger mechanics that motivate the player to continue, interest in the game quickly fades. Vehicle upgrades, tournament rewards, and story progression are important aspects that create additional gameplay loops and keep players coming back.

Modern roguelikes incorporate a variety of gameplay loops, allowing players to have goals for both short and long gaming sessions. The genre's development was largely driven by the emergence of story-driven roguelikes such as Hades, Dreamscaper, and Returnal. The introduction of narrative elements into gameplay creates a sense of constant progress, even if the player hasn't actually made significant progress. This makes roguelikes more engaging and appealing to a wider audience, ensuring deep engagement and a desire to return to the game again and again.

In Dreamscaper, the player is faced with a variety of objectives at the beginning of each gameplay loop. He not only strives to complete difficult episodes, but also focuses on leveling up his character, improving relationships with city residents, finding unique weapons, and choosing the optimal build. These elements make the game multifaceted and engaging, allowing each player to adapt their playstyle.

The roguelike structure provides immersive gameplay that can keep players engaged for hours. The genre's potential continues to grow, which could have a positive impact not only on roguelikes but on other games as well. The engaging elements inherent in roguelikes are also found in various hardcore games, such as Dark Souls. Having a variety of tools for solving various problems is an important aspect of any emergent game, contributing to depth and increasing user engagement.

Game designers who focus on the player experience rather than genres can significantly improve the quality of their games by implementing the engaging elements described in this article. These elements contribute to a deeper and more memorable interaction with players, which ultimately leads to increased interest and retention. Focusing on the game experience allows developers to adapt mechanics and design elements to achieve maximum engagement, which is a key factor in the success of any game.