Tradition Drives Modern Game Design

The gaming industry is in the midst of a noticeable shift. While originality still matters, developers are finding success by building on what players already know. Rather than relying on entirely new formats, many are reworking long-standing game structures with subtle changes that feel both fresh and familiar. Players seem to be signaling that complete novelty isn't always necessary. Instead, they’re responding well to familiar mechanics that have been updated in smart, engaging ways.

How Tradition Drives Modern Game Design

Several recent games highlight how this approach can work in practice. Echo Chess puts a new spin on traditional chess, a game with roots in the 15th century. In this version, each time a piece captures another, it transforms into the piece it just defeated. This rule forces players to constantly rethink their moves and adapt their strategies. It still feels like chess, but the added layer of change makes each match more dynamic.

Balatro takes the basics of poker, a card game that has been around since the 1820s, and combines it with the unpredictable structure of a roguelike deck-builder. While players start by building poker hands, they quickly enter new territory as they unlock power-ups, bonuses, and effects that would never be possible at a real table. The familiar base allows players to jump in easily, but the added elements create a unique and often surprising experience.

Words with Friends is another example. Built on the foundation of Scrabble, it brought the word game into the digital space. By allowing asynchronous play and adding features like in-game chat, the game turned a traditional board game into a mobile-friendly, social experience. It lowered the barrier to entry and made it easier for people to play on their own time, from anywhere.

These games all succeed by respecting the original format while finding ways to modernize the experience. The result is a balance between old and new that appeals to a wide range of players.

Balatro

Changing the Game Off the Screen: Banana Ball

The idea of reworking familiar formats isn't limited to digital games. Banana Ball, created by the Savannah Bananas baseball team, is a live example of how old traditions can be updated to better fit today’s audiences. Baseball has long faced criticism for being too slow or outdated, especially among younger sports fans. Even with changes introduced by Major League Baseball in recent years, growth has been slow.

Banana Ball took a different approach. Under Jesse Cole’s leadership, the team introduced changes that put fans at the center of the game. If a fan catches a foul ball, the batter is out. Fans can vote on in-game decisions, and many get to participate in races or dance contests on the field. The atmosphere feels more like a festival than a standard baseball game.

This approach has led to overwhelming success. The Savannah Bananas have sold out large stadiums across the country, including major venues like Fenway Park and Bank of America Stadium. They’ve sold out every game since their first season and now have a waitlist of over two million fans. Banana Ball shows that when familiar experiences are updated with fan-first thinking, the results can be significant.

Banana Ball

Why Familiarity Works

Looking at the broader industry, it's clear that players often gravitate toward what they already know. Franchises like Call of Duty and Madden release new versions with only slight changes year after year, yet continue to dominate sales charts. While these games are sometimes criticized for being repetitive, they deliver consistent experiences that players understand and enjoy.

This doesn’t mean players want no change at all. What they seem to value is evolution, not reinvention. Games built on familiar mechanics reduce the learning curve and make it easier for people to try something new. Small adjustments or added features can be enough to make a game feel fresh without overwhelming the player.

The popularity of mobile games that follow a similar pattern also supports this idea. Many of the top-performing titles are built on simple, repetitive gameplay loops that are easy to pick up. These games thrive not because they’re groundbreaking, but because they’re accessible and recognizable.

Call of Duty

Role of Intellectual Property in Familiar Formats

This trend also benefits companies that own well-known game properties. A clear example is Fortnite, which has managed to stay relevant by constantly updating its content and introducing collaborations with other brands and franchises. What started as a shooter has evolved into a broader platform with user-generated content, limited-time events, and tools like the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN).

By keeping the game structure familiar while regularly adding new features, Fortnite keeps its audience engaged. It also opens up opportunities for intellectual property holders to bring their brands into the game world in creative ways. As more companies see the value in their existing content, protecting those assets becomes even more important. A well-known game or brand can act as a foundation for multiple forms of engagement if it’s managed carefully.

Newzoo Report Analyzes Global Impact of IP on Game Preferences

Moving Forward by Looking Back

The current direction of the gaming industry shows that innovation doesn’t always require a blank slate. Whether through digital adaptations like Echo Chess and Balatro, or live experiences like Banana Ball, the most successful ideas often come from reworking what already exists. This approach not only makes games more accessible, but also keeps them interesting for both new players and long-time fans.

For developers and IP holders, the message is clear. Revisiting and refreshing familiar experiences can lead to stronger engagement, better retention, and broader appeal. By staying grounded in what players already understand, while introducing meaningful updates, the industry can continue to grow in a way that feels both creative and sustainable.

Source: Konvoy