There are many games like Candy Crush, but they simply don’t measure up to it. Candy Crush is the world’s second most-played mobile phone game. It was first seen on Facebook in April 2012 and made available to mobile phone app stores in November. By 2014, this game had become one of the most downloaded worldwide, and to date, it still is.
Since its launch, Candy Crush Saga has significantly changed the mobile gaming landscape. It opened many developers’ eyes to the fact that a game can be free yet premium enough to be highly profitable. Its monthly engagement is over 200 million! However, being free is not the only thing that gets people hooked on this game. It also has other features that intertwine with what gambling games possess.
Today’s casino news will discuss the uniqueness of games like Candy Crush. We will look into its gameplay model, which makes it stand out and has inspired the release of many other games. Lastly, we will see its gambling characteristics, which keep players returning.
Games like Candy Crush: A Cross-Pollination
Candy Crush is a mobile match-three game developed by King Digital Entertainment, a notable mobile gaming company. It is known for its simplicity, thrilling gameplay, and social features, accommodating players of all ages.
Playing Candy Crush has become a part of many people’s lives. Even though many want to quit, they find themselves returning to being a crusher. And that is what King Digital wants. They aim to “get people into the game and get them to stay.”
Gameplay Mechanics and Outstanding Features of Candy Crush
Candy Crush is a straightforward game. Players simply have to swipe and position the candies in a way that they match at least three combinations. The more technical the candies are put together, the higher your point. As you win, you progress, but the levels get tougher.
Therefore, if you get stuck at a particular level because many do, you get the chance to purchase “boosters” using real money. However, this is optional. You can try to figure it out or wait for the daily prize wheel. If you spin and the moving hand stops on the booster, you can use it to complete the level.
Another crucial gameplay mechanic in Candy Crush is ‘life.” This simply represents the number of chances you have if you fail to win a level. You lose a life for every defeat, and there are just 5. If all lives are spent, you have to wait for about 30 minutes to regain them. But there is an option to buy lives using real money.
The last feature that makes Candy Crush outstanding is that it is social. If you do not have any life left, your friends who play the game can send you some. Also, you can see your friends’ scores if you are connected on Facebook, and you can compete with one another, aiming to top the list of the number of levels completed.
All of these, put together, make Candy Crush addictive. Candy Crush’s head of gameplay, Eva Ryott, once said, “We take a lot of pride in having a really high-quality game. That’s how we keep our player base.” “They enjoy the game, and for many, it becomes part of a daily habit. It’s part of taking a break and relaxing. Many people do that multiple times a day, and some do it once daily.”
Other Games Like Candy Crush
Other games like Candy Crush do exist. Bejeweled is one of the closest; it is one of the foremost match-3 games. Others with unique twists are Zookeeper Battle and Pokemon Shuffle.
Casino games are also not left behind. We have options like Candy Factory Slot. Moreover, the similarities between Candy Crush and gambling games are quite interesting, as you can see below.
Comparison Between Features
Visuals and sounds
The visuals and sounds of Candy Crush are undoubtedly captivating. They are also intuitive and interactive. As soon as you click to play, what you are to do to win that level will be on the screen, and as you progress to making the right candies, you will get feedback responses like “delicious.” Another reminder will appear if you are also about to win: “You are so close! One more move, and you’ve got it.” These visual elements subconsciously increase players’ confidence and encourage them to keep playing.
Also, there is a pleasure derived from winning a level. There are almost infinite levels in Candy Crush. The higher you go, the more challenging gameplay becomes. However, all are winnable. Our brain loves to reward itself for certain activities that may seem challenging and that we win. It releases a hormone called dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and addiction. The more we engage in an activity that triggers its release, the more it demands that we do it repeatedly. This is the basis for addiction. Many who can’t stop playing Candy Crush love the feeling of winning as they crush those candies.
This also applies to casino gaming, especially slots. The visuals and sounds in slot games are highly intentional. They immerse players, and this fun experience always makes many players come back.
Reward system
One of the reasons why many players won’t stay playing slots for real money is due to its unpredictable nature. The near misses and various in-games that are presented keep players hoping that they will win. This same unpredictability and extras are in Candy Crush. Take, for example, the daily prize wheel. This is very common on slots as well. The feeling of getting certain rewards as you press forward, crushing all the candies, gives players a sense of accomplishment.
Want to see more? Check our casino games hub for reviews on all the games to see which ones you’d like!
Brief Overview of a Cross-Pollination
Mobile games pick many things from slot games and vice versa. The rewards, leveled gameplay, and visual and sound effects make Candy Crush and casino slot games addictive. We will often see various games with casino-like features. Likewise, we will see casino games with mobile game features. Both can co-exist in the fight to gain the attention of new audiences, and the user is the one who will ultimately benefit from these friendly wars.
Stay informed with us—Subscribe to your social media source for key updates!