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Ready to play? Five attributes of video games that get us going, and keep us engaged.

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Believe it or not, the advent of video game creation dates back to 1947 when a "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device" was filed for a patent by Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann.  Inspired by radar display technology, the game consisted of an analog device that allowed a user to control a vector-drawn dot on the screen to simulate a missile being fired at targets, which were drawings fixed to the screen[1].

The video gaming industry has certainly come a long way in the 68 years since this patent.  Throughout the years, we’ve enjoyed innovative games we’ve tried to master, as well as ground-breaking technology advancements.  Through it all, developers cite several enduring key elements that factor into a formula of creating a great game.  Let’s take a look at five of the key attributes of successful video games over time:

It’s all about the Story: The main storyline plays a key role in a game’s success.  A great story can keep players immersed in the world that has been created.  They should feel attached to the characters and want to continue playing to see how the story unfolds.[2]

An Interactive Experience: So of course the story is important, but it doesn’t automatically translate to a fun and challenging experience for the player.  Games at their core are meant to be interactive, a way for a person to immerse themselves in the environment.  Unlike a movie where you’re just along for the ride, a game gives the player complete control.[3]

Clear and Concise: It doesn’t matter if the gameplay is complex or simple, it needs to be solid.  This means it should feel like it’s doing what it’s meant to do, with clear controls and good feedback to the player.[4]

Visually Stimulating: Graphics are extremely important for any video game; it’s what the player sees, and essentially, experiences.  Everything from the environments, the characters, and even the lighting all play a role in the look and feel of the game.  As hardware advances so do the graphics being presented to the player and more and more games are gravitating toward a hyper-realistic experience to help immerse the player.[5]

Get hooked: A game needs to be challenging for the player - not impossible to finish, but it should be difficult enough to keep the player engaged.  You don’t want a game that can be completed with no effort in a short amount of time.  Gamers like to be challenged; when a level or mission is completed, they want to feel like they had to work for it and accomplished something.[6]

Memorable video games over the past decades embody these traits, and today’s developers keep them in mind as they create new challenges for the gamers in all of us.  A great example of a modern, engaging game that exemplifies these characteristics and more is Meltdown, brought to us by Phenomenon Games.   Set against a captivating sci-fi backdrop, the action game app invites players to follow its main character, Zed, as he tries to shoot his way out of the remote space station that he has been trapped on as a result of a system malfunction.   

Meltdown, now enabled for 2 in 1 devices powered by Intel® Core™ M processors, is a vivid, tactical arcade shooter featuring both single-player and intense online multiplayer versions.  Players can become the most skilled soldier by choosing weapons, getting the best upgrades, buckling up, and starting the mission.  Be careful because each enemy has their own combat style, special AI, and gear, and players must adapt to them to survive!
During the course of the adventure, players can collect loot and level-up their characters as they make their way through 30 different randomly generated levels.  They can choose to play single player or co-op multiplayer, while experiencing an engaging gameplay, matching their gaming skills and style. 

Meltdown offers key features including: Online Cross-Platform Co-Op & PvP for up to four players, three specializations (Specialist, Soldier, Medic), three big boss battles, and wave-attack arena challenges.  Players can also clear all missions and run the special prestige mode for additional fun.

Storyline?  Check. 

Interactivity?  Covered. 

Solid premise?  Got it. 

Visually appealing?  Yes. 

A true challenge to players?  Of course. 

To start your own Meltdown experience, download the app now at: http://store.steampowered.com/app/268220


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