Genres do not disappear. Player needs evolve.
πππ§π«ππ¬ ππ¨π§βπ ππ’π¬ππ©π©πππ«. ππ₯ππ²ππ« π§ππππ¬ ππ―π¨π₯π―π.
There is a lot of discussion today about revenue growth in puzzle games, especially driven by merge and sort genres. Some claim that match-3 is no longer relevant and that even flagship titles fromPlayrixandKingare declining.
But this is not genre fatigue. ππ π’π¬ π π¬π‘π’ππ π’π§ π©π₯ππ²ππ« π§ππππ¬.
Match-3 games traditionally satisfy these needs:
β’ Challenge and self-validation
β’ Proving βI can handle thisβ
β’ Solving puzzles and finding optimal solutions
β’ Clear win/lose confirmation of competence
This worked well when players had enough mental capacity to seek additional challenges. But todayβs reality is different. People live under constant stress: COVID aftermath, inflation, instability, unpredictability, and an endless stream of real-life challenges. The nervous system is overloaded.
Some of those players are no longer looking for new challenges in games. They are looking for relief.
Merge and sort games satisfy different needs:
β’ Calm and emotional regulation
β’ Order and predictability in a chaotic world
β’ A sense of control without pressure
β’ Progress without failure or punishment
β’ A meditative, soothing process
Thatβs why monetization is growing in merge and sort games.
Not because match-3 is dead β but because it serves a different psychological need set.
Players pay for the needs satisfaction. Genres donβt disappear.
Player needs evolve.
