Players have enjoyed interactive games for years, from typical online board games to modern video titles. The increase in mobile and online gaming has significantly impacted the social game space, with even more alternatives being developed. We’ve explored the concept of social games and delved into two contemporary options for these games.
Social Games
A social game is one that can be played on any of the social media platforms, or one that integrates social interaction between users. These apps require users to communicate and collaborate and are typically available on mobile and social media. Popular examples are games like Candy Crush Saga and Farmville, which integrate social media features. The gameplay rules of most social games are easy to understand. They need little practice and are perfect for quick bursts of gameplay.
Players can compete, team up, and communicate with friends and acquaintances in these games because social interactions are built right into the gameplay. Features like in-game chat, gift exchanges, leaderboards, and the opportunity to showcase accomplishments on networking sites are standard in these online social games. They allow gamers to feel involved with fellow players.
Modern Alternatives to Social Games
Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes games are similar to social games and are gradually easing into the online casino space. They have similarities with regular online games, including social interaction functions, free-to-play choices, and accessible gameplay. They also include social aspects such as in-game communities, plots and referral systems. Unlike regular social games, Sweepstakes enable players to exchange their winnings for cash or prizes. The best Sweepstakes casinos offer a range of slots and table games and function under an established set of rules, often allowing users to buy tokens or coins and giving them the option to redeem winnings.
These games are promotional tools and include random prize drawings without purchase. Some examples are the social media sweepstakes at Universal Studios that give away trips, the Chew Tunes game at Trident that provides free music and offerings, and specific sweepstakes sites. Referral and description contests are common social aspects in these games that aim to increase engagement. As marketing methods, they help businesses draw in consumers and gather relevant data.
Multiplayer
An additional alternative to social games is multiplayer games. These games have many in-game messaging and voice chat features, which is great for teamwork and socializing. Popular multiplayer options represent multiple genres. They consist of first-person shooters such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Shared adventures are also available in cooperative games such as It Takes Two. Multiplayer games promote the development of a sense of community and amicable competition.
They have a large user base since they are free to play. Playing multiplayer games with real-life opponents and forming teams allows almost unlimited replay value. What separates multiplayer titles from social games is that while social games aim to bolster a game community, multiplayer games prioritize the gaming experience above the social features. This is backed up by the increased dependence on algorithms that randomly pair players, coupled with the decline of private servers and public forums on some of these multiplayer titles.
Final Words
Social games aim to enhance interaction, often leveraging existing social media. Sweepstakes allow players to redeem coin prizes. Multiplayer games also offer the thrill of playing competitively with random players, to keep the game environment active.
