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Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

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Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

Discover the keys to creating timeless games like RIFTSTORM. Explore the elements that make Forever Games successful, from core gameplay to collaborative evolution.

By Eliza Crichton-Stuart author avatar

By Eliza Crichton-Stuart

Updated February 4th 2025

Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

A Forever Game is a title that maintains relevance across generations, evolving alongside its audience and industry trends. Games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon, Counter-Strike, Final Fantasy, Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, and Mortal Kombat have achieved this status by continually adapting and expanding their worlds. These games have persisted through different media formats and cultural shifts, retaining dedicated player bases for years or even decades. Understanding the defining characteristics of Forever Games is essential for developers aiming to create experiences that stand the test of time.

Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

Building a Forever Game

A Forever Game has broad appeal, making it accessible to a wide range of players. These games are often easy to learn yet complex enough to keep players engaged over time. Their multiplayer aspects contribute significantly to their longevity, as social interactions create lasting memories and encourage long-term engagement.

A 2024 study by Newzoo found that 60% of a typical gamer’s playtime is spent on titles that have been available for six years or more. This data highlights the strong connection between players and long-standing games that continue to offer fresh content and experiences. As these games evolve with their communities, they establish opportunities for sustained growth and expansion. This longevity makes Forever Games an attractive goal for developers who seek to build projects that remain relevant for years.

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Key Elements and Fundamental Principles 

Games that achieve long-term success share fundamental design principles that contribute to their lasting appeal. A well-designed core gameplay loop is a crucial factor. For example, Counter-Strike has maintained its popularity by refining its competitive first-person shooter mechanics, while World of Warcraft set the foundation for MMORPG progression systems that remain influential. Games that offer a satisfying, replayable experience continue to attract both new and returning players.

Player agency is another essential aspect of Forever Games. Players should have control over how they engage with the game, whether they want short play sessions or extended gaming marathons. Games like Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft allow players to choose their level of commitment, making them more accessible to different types of players.

world of warcraft

World of Warcraft Logo and Key Art 

Progression Systems and Emergent Gameplay 

Progression systems play a vital role in retaining engagement. Whether it is unlocking ranks in Counter-Strike or collecting gear in World of Warcraft, a clear sense of progression motivates players to keep playing. The ability to set personal goals within the game encourages long-term participation.

Emergent gameplay is also a key factor in a game’s longevity. Games that provide dynamic, unpredictable experiences keep players engaged by offering new challenges and opportunities. Counter-Strike matches feel different each time due to varied player interactions, while World of Warcraft creates unique social experiences through cooperative and competitive play.

Continuous evolution ensures that a game remains relevant. Updates, expansions, and community-driven content keep players invested. Counter-Strike’s introduction of player-made skins and World of Warcraft’s expansion packs demonstrate how games can sustain interest through new content and features.

Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

RIFTSTORM Key Art and Logo 1

RIFTSTORM’s Unique Approach

RIFTSTORM aims to incorporate these elements to establish itself as a long-lasting title. Drawing inspiration from popular genres such as ARPGs, looter shooters, and roguelites, the game offers a mix of familiar mechanics with fresh twists. It is designed to be engaging for both casual and dedicated players, providing accessibility while maintaining depth.

Playtests have shown positive responses to RIFTSTORM’s gameplay structure. The third playtest in October 2024 featured 9 to 13 hours of story quests and endgame content, with player retention reaching its highest point. The data showed that 46.2% of players continued playing after three days, marking a 100% increase from the second playtest.

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Player Agency and Emergent Gameplay 

Player agency is a core focus in RIFTSTORM’s design. Missions are structured to last between 10 and 15 minutes, allowing players to engage at their own pace. Whether players want to complete a quick mission or embark on extended sessions, they have the flexibility to decide how they experience the game.

The game’s progression system is built around loot, character customization, and optimization. Players can collect skins, craft weapons, and experiment with different builds to suit their playstyles. This level of customization encourages ongoing exploration and engagement.

Emergent gameplay is another priority for RIFTSTORM. The game integrates roguelite elements, ensuring that each playthrough feels different. Modular dungeons, randomized missions, and dynamic power-ups provide fresh experiences every time players jump into the game. This variation helps maintain excitement and encourages replayability.

To support continuous evolution, RIFTSTORM introduces the Repository, a system that allows community input to shape future content. Players can influence the game’s development by participating in events and submitting ideas for lore, skins, and dungeons. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper connection between players and the game. In the third playtest, 80.3% of players chose to save the character Gray 6, a decision that will impact future content.

Building Forever Games: RIFTSTORM Case Study

RIFTSTORM Key Art and Logo 2

The Role of Collaborative Entertainment 

RIFTSTORM is positioned as the first game to embrace the concept of Collaborative Entertainment, a model where player input plays a significant role in shaping the game’s future. Rather than relying solely on developer updates, this approach allows players to contribute to the evolution of the game’s world, characters, and mechanics.

This method enhances engagement by giving players a sense of ownership over the game. People enjoy influencing narratives, and by incorporating community-driven content, RIFTSTORM creates an environment where players feel that their decisions matter. The ability to affect the game’s direction strengthens player investment and increases the likelihood of long-term retention.

Through the combination of solid gameplay fundamentals, emergent experiences, and a collaborative development model, RIFTSTORM demonstrates how a modern Forever Game can be built. By focusing on accessibility, progression, and continuous content updates, the game aims to provide players with a lasting and evolving experience that remains relevant for years to come. 


Educational

updated:

February 4th 2025

posted:

February 4th 2025

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