What's meta?

The meta-layer—a set of systems and mechanics that wrap around the core gameplay, adding complexity, depth, and a richer narrative.

Incorporating metagame mechanics in mobile gaming is the key distinction between hyper- and hybrid-casual games. While hypercasual usually focuses on one core game mechanics, hybrid-casual, on the other hand, is designed to have long term player engagement by introducing layers of game mechanics that enhances the overall gameplay.

Meta mechanics - From hyper to hybrid

Meta layers wrapping around the basic gameplay can transform player experience by having depth and deeper engagement.

• Improves Retention: Introduce mini challenges, activities and goals to keep the game engaging, motivating players to return daily and play longer per session
• Maximise Monetisation Opportunities: Diversify monetisation strategies using different aspects of meta layers. Find new ways to bundle IAPs or to display rewarded IAAs
• Increases Wider Appeal: New elements can resonate better with different audience, attracting a wider range of player profiles.

So what are some metagame mechanics that hypercasual games can explore as they shift to hybridcasual? Here we have compiled 8 different mechanics adopted by popular Sort Puzzles in today's market.

1. Storytelling

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Give your game a storyline to set itself apart from run-off-the-mill Sort Puzzle games. Narrative and storytelling can bridge player & game world with compelling stories and characters.

• Create more immersive & engaging experience
• Narrative storyline increases player curiosity

3. Daily/Weekly Challenges

Forming player’s habit to check-in on a routine

• Reward players with resources needed to progress in the game
• Build longer retention to maximise player’s LTV
• Allows early experiment with power-ups & boosters

3. Winning Streak

Get points multipliers based on continuous winning streak

• Encourage usage of power-ups to maintain streak
• Boosts IAPs to continue game progress without losing streak

4. Theme Unlock

Design new themes/maps to expand gameplay

• Gives a sense of progression as player unlock new themes/zones
• Introduce new sub themes/skin to drive add-on purchases using in-game currency

5. Leaderboard

Gauge and compete against players’ performances

• Recognise player’s achievements & effort publicly reinforces motivation
• Foster a sense of community to increase player interaction

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6. Collectibles

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Tap into collectors’ psychic with special collectibles.

• Increases player lifespan for them to keep coming back
• Reward based on engagement; Rarity of collectibles drives player motivation

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7. Renovation

Unlock new elements to customise game space

• Allows players to show individuality, connecting them to the in-game world
• Drives engagement and IAPs for special/rare items

8. Progression

Display player profile's progression to chart daily/weekly/monthly performance. This giving missions with meaning by displaying achievements at a glance.

• Brings a sense of accomplishment as player progresses in the game
• Triggers innate competitiveness to outdo personal past records