Cookie Clicker
An idle game where players click cookies to buy upgrades that make more cookies.
Where Cookie Clicker comes up1 episode or test
- 1Click cookiesPlayer repeats an action
- 2Buy upgradesGain power from cookies earned
- 3Repeat more efficientlyOutput feeds back into input
From Game design source on positive feedback loops
What was said about Cookie Clicker
Cookie Clicker runs on a power-gaining positive feedback loop. Output feeds back into input: the player repeats an action, gains power, then repeats with more efficiency. Cookie Clicker is named as an idle game built on this loop, alongside roguelikes with permanent progression.
The loop is compelling and can be dangerously addictive. In other kinds of games the same loop becomes grind, so a builder who uses it needs a plan to manage it. As the source puts it: "This creates a positive feedback loop".
How Video Game Economies are Designed
Idle games like it are built on a positive feedback loop of repeating, gaining power and repeating more efficiently, which can be addictive.
Cookie Clicker runs on a power-gaining positive feedback loop. Output feeds back into input: the player repeats an action, gains power, then repeats with more efficiency. Cookie Clicker is named as an idle game built on this loop, alongside roguelikes with permanent progression.
The loop is compelling and can be dangerously addictive. In other kinds of games the same loop becomes grind, so a builder who uses it needs a plan to manage it. As the source puts it: "This creates a positive feedback loop".
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