clicker game
Numbers go up
A clicker game is a video game genre where the primary mechanic is clicking or tapping to accumulate resources, which are then spent on upgrades that generate resources automatically.
The gameplay loop is minimal interaction leading to exponential growth: I left my clicker game running overnight and came back to trillions of cookies.
Also called idle game or incremental game.
Improved replacement versions
- multiplierNumber that scales another
- tappingRepeated light striking
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- currencyMedium of exchange
achievements · prestige · reset · boosts · exponential · accumulation · rebirth · ascension
Not actively participating
- AFKOnline absence indicator
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- waitingRemaining in expectation
- automationSelf-operating system design
Deeply dependent or bent
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- habit-formingCausing repeated compulsive use
- cravingPowerful urge to have
fixation · preoccupation · engrossing · captivating · irresistible · dopamine · satisfying · rewarding
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- buildsCreates by assembling parts
- planningArranging for future events
- power-upsCollectible game bonuses
- combosGrouped elements together
multipliers · cooldowns · min-maxing · efficiency · timing · prioritization · endgame · breakpoints
Becoming less tense
- simpleFree of complexity
- easyRequiring minimal effort
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- accessibleAble to be reached
light-hearted · leisure · recreational · intuitive · mobile · free-to-play · family-friendly · mindless
upgrades
Improved replacement versions
- multiplierNumber that scales another
- tappingRepeated light striking
- grindingMolar action sometimes
currency · achievements · prestige · reset · boosts · exponential · accumulation · rebirth · ascension · scaling
passive
Not actively participating
- AFKOnline absence indicator
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- waitingRemaining in expectation
automation · hands-off · accumulating · set-and-forget · overnight
hooked
Deeply dependent or bent
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- habit-formingCausing repeated compulsive use
craving · fixation · preoccupation · engrossing · captivating · irresistible · dopamine · satisfying · rewarding · hypnotic
optimization
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- buildsCreates by assembling parts
- planningArranging for future events
- power-upsCollectible game bonuses
combos · multipliers · cooldowns · min-maxing · efficiency · timing · prioritization · endgame · breakpoints · synergies
relaxing
Becoming less tense
accessible · light-hearted · leisure · recreational · intuitive · mobile · free-to-play · family-friendly · mindless · cozy
clicker gamefighting game
Close combat video genre
rhythm game · first-person shooter · platformer · puzzle game · bullet hell
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