Why Are Minigames Important for Players?

By Ambar Jimenez | 2024-07-05 15:24:01
Minigames are an interesting part of the gaming industry. Though they can add texture and depth to longer games, not all players enjoy playing them. But those that do tend to be fanatical about their minigames. Some might refuse to advance in a narrative until they’ve tackled every new minigame. 
Every video game title takes a unique approach to minigames. In some cases, they can help players develop their in-game resources, like in Assassin Creed: Valhalla. Players who succeed in the dice-throwing game of orlog are afforded a few in-game resources that might help them later on.
Other times, minigames are just part of the gaming experience. Blitzball, for example, was a beloved introduction to the Final Fantasy series. Almost two decades since the first Blitzball minigame, fans are still obsessed—even though Blitzball doesn’t impact the game’s outcome at all. It was even reintroduced in the recently released Final Fantasy X.

Clearly, minigames cover a great breadth. While not all players enjoy them, those that don't are in the minority. But what makes one minigame better than another? And why are developers going to keep including them for players? 

They Break Up Monotonous Gameplay


The longer a game, the more monotonous the gameplay can become—even for players who are fully invested in the title. Minigames offer a chance for players to stretch other gaming muscles, breaking up the more difficult and mindnumbing stints.
Let’s take a look at a gaming example like casino slots. Slots are the most popular game offered by virtual platforms like PokerStars Casino, which usually lists hundreds of different titles. Slots are an incredibly straightforward game—just spin the reel and wait to see which combinations hit. And yet, players enjoy them because they’re short, quick, and exciting. 
Minigames offer a similar reprieve. Compared to the main narrative and challenge, a minigame lets players enjoy their latest adventure from a different, more casual angle. 

They Support the Storyline


Though they’re usually short and sweet, minigames can also go a long way in supporting the main storyline. While all minigames must blend seamlessly into the worlds they exist within, they can also shed more light on the backgrounds of supporting characters. 
They might even help players develop skills for further on in the game. In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, players can opt into an escape-room-style minigame. Though the outcome doesn’t impact the main mission, players will be able to work on their observational skills which can improve their performance later on. 
 

They Give Players the Chance to Build Resources


Along with helping players develop their skills and get a better understanding of a game’s mechanics, they might also give them in-game resources. In Red Dead Redemption, players can earn money with minigames. Those funds can go a long way in helping them further down the line.
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can develop their skills by playing Gwent. The card game is a lot more complex than most other minigames. It includes plenty of lore that coincides with the game, books, and overall Witcher world. As they play more games, they develop their pack of cards—which improves their chances of winning. 
In other words, Gwent is an important part of the game that helps characters build resources, take on challenges further down the line, and uncover new information about the overarching fantasy world. 

They Have Potential for Future Spinoffs


Gwent is a great example to close off with. The game was originally introduced in 2015 with the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Since then, it’s become more and more popular—similar to FFX’s relationship to Blitzball.
Developers like to include minigames because they offer meaningful ways for gamers to connect to their favorite worlds—and might even become big enough for a spinoff. In 2018, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game was released with some success. Though it hasn’t become a massive hit on its own, hundreds of thousands of Witcher fans have played a hand or two before.
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