Unlocking the American Dream through Merge Games

Jason Mai, the newly appointed VP of creative at Big Fish, embarked on a journey to understand the merge genre, despite having no prior experience with it. In a session at the Game Developers Conference, Mai discussed his approach to EverMerge and the merge genre as a whole. He began by immersing himself in the game, breaking it down, and analyzing player surveys and feedback. Mai discovered that merge games are built on a "pyramid of consumption," where players progress from basic items to luxurious goods through a series of merges. He noted that this mechanic is reminiscent of the American Dream, where individuals start with humble beginnings and work their way up to achieve success and wealth. Mai suggested that merge games tap into this fantasy, providing players with a sense of escapism and a chance to experience the thrill of accumulating wealth and possessions. To further explore this concept, Mai proposed a range of ideas, including introducing a sense of greed and excess, where players can accumulate vast amounts of wealth and possessions. He also considered alternative approaches, such as embracing a more rustic, Americana-themed lifestyle, where players can merge items to build a thriving community. Additionally, Mai touched on the idea of making the game more challenging, with a rogue-like design that requires players to navigate obstacles and failures to achieve their goals. He also suggested introducing social elements and a shared world, where players can interact and trade with one another. Mai also reflected on the potential downsides of merge games, noting that the focus on material possessions can be unhealthy. He proposed an alternative approach, inspired by Marie Kondo, where players organize and minimize their possessions, creating a more peaceful and serene gaming experience. Throughout his talk, Mai emphasized the importance of experimentation and creativity in game design, encouraging developers to push the boundaries of the merge genre and explore new ideas and concepts.