Well, for one, the story needs to be immersive. It has to draw the player in. Imagine a post - apocalyptic idle game where the story is about rebuilding civilization. The details of the world, the characters you meet, and the challenges you face all contribute to the immersion. Another factor is the connection between the idle mechanics and the story. If in the story you're trying to build a city, and the idle part is about gathering materials for that city, it makes sense and keeps players engaged. Also, social elements can be added. For example, players can compare their story progress with their friends, which creates a sense of competition and further engagement.
An 'idle game with story' can keep players engaged in several ways. First, the story should have a good pacing. It shouldn't be too slow or too fast. For instance, if it's a story about a hero's journey, the challenges the hero faces should be gradually introduced. Second, there should be elements of surprise in the story. Maybe a new character suddenly appears with a special ability that can change the gameplay. Third, the idle gameplay should be rewarding. When players come back to the game after a while, they should see significant progress in both the story and their resources, which makes them feel that their time away was worthwhile.
Idle games with story can keep players engaged by having a well - paced narrative. For example, if new story elements are revealed as the player reaches certain milestones, it gives them something to look forward to. In 'Adventure Capitalist', every time you expand to a new industry or planet, there's a new part of the comical story. Another way is through character development. In 'Clicker Heroes', the heroes you unlock have their own stories and abilities that grow, which makes players interested in seeing how they evolve. Also, having branching storylines, like in 'Realm Grinder' where you can side with different factions, adds replayability and keeps players engaged.
The story in idle games provides a sense of purpose. For example, in 'Adventure Capitalist', you want to see how far your business will grow and what new areas you can conquer. It gives you something to strive for beyond just the idle mechanics.
One way is by having cliffhangers at the end of story chapters. This makes players eager to find out what happens next. For example, if a character is in a dangerous situation at the end of a chapter, players will be keen to continue. Another is by constantly introducing new characters with their own stories. This gives players something fresh to look forward to.
One way is by having unexpected twists. If the end game story throws in a curveball that players didn't see coming, it'll keep them hooked. For example, in 'BioShock Infinite', the revelation about the true nature of the city of Columbia and Booker's role was a huge twist that made the end game story very engaging.
To keep players engaged in a game with a long story, the story needs to be unpredictable. In 'Fallout: New Vegas', there are so many factions and possible outcomes that players are constantly surprised. Visual and audio elements also play a role. In 'Journey', the beautiful visuals and ambient music enhance the story - telling experience, making players more likely to stay engaged with the long - form narrative. Additionally, the story should be relevant to the player's character. In 'Guild Wars 2', the personal story for your character ties in with the larger world - wide story, which makes players feel more involved in the long - running narrative.
By having interesting characters. If players can relate to or be intrigued by the characters in the story, they'll stay engaged. For example, in 'The Last of Us', Joel and Ellie are very well - developed characters.
By providing rewards. In a mindless button smashing game with a story, rewards can be things like new abilities for your character, unlockable costumes, or parts of the story that are only available after achieving certain goals. For instance, if you complete a difficult button - mashing sequence in a boss fight, you might unlock a new chapter in the story. Also, having a sense of progression in the story, like seeing your character grow stronger or the world change as you play, can be engaging.
By constantly introducing new challenges. New areas to explore, new enemies to face, and new puzzles to solve will keep players interested. For example, in a horror - themed 'never ending nightmare game', new types of terrifying monsters could be added as the player progresses.
By having a well - paced story. If the plot unfolds gradually and keeps introducing new elements, like new characters or mysteries. For example, in an open world RPG, if the main quest line has regular twists and turns, players will be eager to see what's next.
Well, for one, they usually have interesting characters. If the characters are well - developed, players will care about what happens to them. For example, in a game like Mass Effect, you get to know your crewmates and their backstories, and you want to see their stories unfold. Another way is through a constantly evolving plot. There should be twists and turns, like in a good detective story. And also, giving players choices that actually matter in the long - run can keep them engaged as they feel like they are shaping the story.