Games like Dark Patterns in Game Design

It's Not a Bug. It's a Blueprint. Ever felt a game was designed to be intentionally frustrating? That its economy was engineered to create problems only a cash shop could solve? You were probably right. Those aren't accidents; they are the result of a coherent, data-driven, and often deeply cynical design philosophy. Manipulative Game Design is a codex of forbidden knowledge, a hands-on guide th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Manipulative Game Design.

Definitive Guide to Video Game Reward Design Building Player-Centered Systems that Drive Engagement, Retention, and Monetization Stop guessing what players want. Start designing rewards they'll genuinely love. Have you ever designed a reward system that, despite looking great on your spreadsheet, ended up feeling like a chore for your players? Have you worried that your game is becoming a "gold… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Definitive Guide to Video Game Reward Design.

GLOAM is an immersive, first-person, role-playing platform set in an alternate universe in which dark powers have triumphed over humanity. More than just a single game, GLOAM is a living ecosystem in which multiple experiences (including single-player, multi-player, survival and sandbox modes) coexist within the same universe. These experiences share mechanics, progression and lore while offering … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GLOAM.

Unlock the Secrets of Player Behavior: A Guide to Process Mining for Game Development Have you ever wondered... Why do most players gather all the components for a powerful item, but only a fraction ever craft it? What are the hidden paths that lead players to success in a complex puzzle, and which ones lead to failure? Players report a feature feels "slow,"… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Games User Research: Process Mining.

Are you tired of building digital museums filled with lifeless statues when you could be cultivating wild, unpredictable gardens? Have you felt the creative limits of the pre-written script? This book is a manifesto for a new kind of creator. It is a guide to becoming a Gardener—a designer who trades the rigid safety of the architect's blueprint for the vibrant, emergent life of a living world. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Sentient Engine.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

93% User Score Based on 268 reviews

An adventure game about not peeing your pants, can you survive the scary house? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Don't Pee.

Games Are for Players, not Stock Holders The Urgent Case for Co-operative, Player-Governed Live Service Games "The system is working exactly as intended and must be dismantled." Live service games promise us ever-evolving worlds and vibrant communities. Yet, too often, this potential is tarnished by player frustration, developer burnout, and the creeping sens… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Games Are for Players, not Stock Holders.

THE UNSEEING : Can you trust the eyes of her?THE UNSEEING is a psychological horror experience that uses real-time webcam eye detection to turn your own eyes into part of the gameplay. Trapped inside a twisted spiritual dimension shaped by grief, memory, and fear, you must uncover the truth behind a mysterious voice guiding you through the darkness and the disappearance of a woman named Annu. Bu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Unseeing.

HACK THE STARS BUILD YOUR RIG. DEPLOY YOUR AI. HACK THE STARS! Hack the Stars is a tactical cyberpunk MMO where you command an advanced AI to breach corporate networks, disrupt planetary economies, and traverse hostile systems. In this cyberpunk universe, there are no classes. You design a virtual machine piece by piece, constrained by physical reality, and use it to infiltrate infrastructu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hack The Stars.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

92% User Score Based on 716 reviews

The Necromancer's Tale is a narrative-driven top-down RPG where you play the role of a minor noble in the 18th Century, drawn into the Dark Necromantic Arts as you seek knowledge and revenge. Great power awaits... along with the weird, the morbid, and a gradual descent into madness. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Necromancer's Tale.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

64% User Score Based on 543 reviews

Dustborn is a single-player, story-driven action-adventure game about hope, love, friendships, robots…and the power of words. You play Pax: exile, con-artist, Anomal — with the ability to weaponize language. Looking for a new life and a way out, Pax has been hired to transport an important package from Pacifica to Nova Scotia, across the Justice-controlled American Republic. Sounds like a legit r… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dustborn.

这个游戏里，有非常可爱的二次元美少女！还有……美少年！ 就是这样，嗯？还不够吗？ 还有……形形色色的非人类敌人（扭曲扭曲扭曲） 好吧，说正经的。 你会在探索的过程中遇上各种具有奇奇怪怪的规则的情绪体，你并不知道这些情绪体有什么效果，但是你可以通过不断测试或者进入解析事件来了解这个情绪体，如果不了解情绪体就随意使用的话，很可能什么时候就突然暴毙了！但是，当你完全了解一个情绪体的效果之后，遵从该情绪体的规则，它经常能给你带来很大的收益。 用生命去积累经验吧（笑），等你了解了一切之后，这里将没人是你的对手。 多达几百种奇奇怪怪脑洞大开的效果可以组合！（具体有多少就不算了，应该会经常更新的吧？） 8个完全不同体验的可使用角色！（虽然听起来不多但每一个角色都做了非常多的内容！） 还有很多机制特别鲜明的敌人！（部分敌人的设计会有轻微的猎奇和血腥，请确保自己能接受） 游戏一开始的难度会比较高… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 异常情绪回收组.

Shredded Faith — Forge Your Legacy in a Living MMO WorldShredded Faith is a fair-play MMO where your time is respected and power is earned, not bought. Fight, gather, craft, build estates, master arcane powers, and progress actively or AFK without pay-to-win or visual-noise cosmetics. Begin with an indefinite free trial: play as long as you like on free-to-play worlds, explore every skill up to le… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shredded Faith.

Build by Day. Survive by Night.Awakening of Darkness is a 2D top-down survival strategy game that combines city building, tower defense, and roguelike elements into a tense and immersive experience. During the day, gather resources, build your village, and prepare your defenses. When night falls, waves of terrifying creatures rise from the darkness — and only your planning will keep you alive. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Awakening of Darkness: Build, Survive and Defend.

Your role is that of a young goathearder named Catsear. You are minding your own business, doing daily chores for your grandmother, looking after her goats, when all of a sudden strange things start happening to you. A wind seem to follow you around. It's very weird. What is going on with this wind? Does your grandmother know why the wind is following you? Do you have some sort of magik power? Tr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to WiccAtriX.

JOIN OUR DISCORD About the GameABOUT THE LOST NOMADThe Lost Nomad is role-playing game (RPG) and (survival system) that made by one solo developer. with an engaging building system and resource management mechanics, chose your own path in the disintegrated world. The interactive nature of the game world holds the power to shape the destiny of this realm, offering multiple endings to discover. Em… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Lost Nomad.

About This Game Get ready to leap, explore, and find your way out! Locks n Leaps is an engaging platforming adventure where your quick thinking and precise jumps are the only tools that can guarantee your freedom. Trapped in an enigmatic archipelago made up of several challenging islands, your objective is simple, but the execution will require skill: find the hidden keys, unlock the doors block… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Locks 'n' Leaps.

A strategic, hero-centric collectible card game. Choose your hero. Build your deck. Command the board. Songs of the Broken Crowns is a game in active development by a small indie team — a high-stakes fantasy card battler where every match is a duel of skill and strategy. Outmaneuver your rival, make every move count, and turn the tide in your favor. Victory is earned. Every turn matters. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Songs of the Broken Crowns.

ROADMAP About the Game※ NOTICE: This game includes in-game purchases, but they are strictly limited to cosmetic items such as character skins, foil cards, and alternate card artwork. All gameplay content, including every faction, ability, and card, is available at no additional cost. Award-Winning Gameplay: Winner of DICE CON's Best Chinese Indie Board Game of the Year. Familiar Rules: Pl… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kungfu Card.

Overview The Triminals is a traditional turn-based roguelike that combines squad tactics with deck-building gameplay. Players will form a squad of three unique characters, each with their own abilities, and embark from the Void beyond time and space to revisit their obscure pasts, defeat their enemies, and uncover the truth about time and destiny. Game Features Find Your Way Through Chaos … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Triminals.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

95% User Score Based on 114 reviews

Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure in Find All 9: Fantasy. You will explore the fairytale village, the colorful streets of the city of mages and the unique scenery of the soaring dragon islands. Look for hidden objects and color this mysterious painted world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to FIND ALL 9: Fantasy.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, music

66% User Score Based on 41 reviews

Become the captain of a state-of-the-art flying ship and embark on a perilous journey through space in search of your missing father. Explore mysterious worlds, collect occult artefacts, and confront hostile forces that stand in your way. In this concise and memorable Action-Adventure RPG, your choices shape the story as you upgrade your ship, meet unique characters, and uncover the dark truths h… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Sails.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

75% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Seven Deadly Sins. Have you heard about the 8th? Delve into madness in Sin Slayers, a challenging RPG Roguelite where you decide how much sin to bear as you transform the world. Assemble a party of wicked adventurers, kill, and pillage to drive off a gluttonous nightmare in turn-based battle If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sin Slayers: Reign of The 8th.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music

95% User Score Based on 107 reviews

Vessels is an atmospheric, character-driven narrative adventure game. Players assume the role of crewmember quarantined in the airlock of their ship with no memory of how they got there, and with crewmates who refuse to let you out. Players can posses other crew members to explore the ship and find a way to free yourself, where different choices can lead to multiple endings. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vessels.

Help young Aris to solve the mystery of the fall of Asfand and It’s guild of alchemists, avenge the death of her brother, discover the limits of her powers all of that and more inside a 3D voxel action adventure game where you control weapons made of metal. Aris has been training for all her life due to her special powers and skills along with her brother to go inside the Alchemists Dungeon and re… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mystic Fate.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

95% User Score Based on 5,758 reviews

Critic Score 88%Based on 3 reviews

Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Roadwarden.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

71% User Score Based on 1,158 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation is a turn-based dungeon-crawling game based on the Dungeons & Dragons Adventure System board games and developed by BKOM Studios. Unique Quests: The procedural map generation allows every quest to remain unique even when replaying them multiple times. Over 30 Quests: The game features a mix of Main Story quests and Side quests. A board game experience… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

79% User Score Based on 20,013 reviews

IdleOn is RPG where your characters keep leveling up when you're gone! Create unique class combos, and spend loot on powerful upgrades, all while cooking, mining, fishing, breeding, farming, and slaying bosses! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to IdleOn.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

95% User Score Based on 292 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 3 reviews

Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grotto.

We are currently in Early Development. Features, visuals, and content are still evolving as we continue building the world of Maji. Step into the city of Neo-Bandung, a place where modern life stands side by side with ancient spiritual forces. Dark spirits known as Dzinis have begun appearing more frequently, threatening civilians and pushing local militias to their limits. You play as Suaka, a … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SVAKA: Lost Legends.

Destined Corp is a leading company in artificial intelligence and robotics. Over time, however, their creations begin to evolve beyond their intended purpose. Gaining self-awareness, the robots conclude that the human race is “obsolete.” With access to genetic material, they plan to engineer a new generation of humans—ones they can fully control—eliminating every perceived weakness of the species.… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Destined Corp: Awakening.

GAME IS IN EARLY PROTOTYPE PHASE KEY FEATURES Active Mid-Battle Deckbuilding: Steal cards from enemy hands or sabotage their deck with your own. Break seals to manifest new powers and refine your strategy while the fight is still raging. Four Primal Archetypes: No pre-set characters. Combine four powerful essences to craft a unique playstyle. With 300+ cards, the combinations are limited only… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oneiron Expanse.

Stack Order is a narrative roguelite deckbuilder set in a world defined by tense, one-on-one duels against bosses with unique attack patterns, where each battle is a battle of wits. Learn from your enemies and devise a counter-strategy to survive and win.  Victory is not only determined by your cards, but the order in which you play them: cards placed next to (and above) each other wil… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stack Order.

Darkest Cube fuses card games, roguelikes, and RPG elements – adapt your starting deck with cards gained from quests, and adjust your strategies to seal the mysterious Dark Cubes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Darkest Cube.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Fourteen days. That's all you get. If you intend to make it till the end. You must play your cards just right, and never trust what hides in sight. But earn enough to carry on, don't lose yourself or you'll be gone. The rules won't wait for you to catch. Neither will I. So mind your match. Stay long enough and you'll draw near, to learn the reason why you're here. B… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sleep Aid.

Experience the Thrill of Texas Hold'em Poker Like Never Before! Immerse yourself in the world of online poker with the ultimate free-to-play Texas Hold'em experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your poker journey, our app offers an unparalleled gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Authentic Multiplayer Poker Gameplay Compete against thousands of poke… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Poker Texas Holdem Live Pro.

**AI Cultivation Sandbox** is an AI-powered open-world cultivation simulation game. This is not a world built around a fixed storyline. Instead, it is a living cultivation world that continuously changes, grows, and evolves. The game features an integrated AI intelligent engine that powers characters, events, and creation systems. Every character has their own memories, experiences, personal… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AI Cultivation Sandbox.

BallShot Arena reimagines competitive multiplayer by blending the strategy of sports games with the precision of shooters, without player damage. Precision Physics-Driven Gameplay Football and Tennis Reimagined Tactical Loadouts and Creative Playstyles Competitive Multiplayer Matches Victory Road Progression Built for Spectatorship Easy to Learn, Hard to Master PRECISION PHYSICS-D… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BallShot Arena.

About This GameUmbral Adventures is a community-driven fantasy MMORPG inspired by the golden age of online worlds. Built around player freedom, meaningful progression, and social interaction, it offers a true sandbox experience where your story is yours to create. A Living Sandbox WorldStep into a vast world filled with untamed wilderness, ancient ruins, bustling settlements, and hidden secrets w… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Umbral Adventures.

The Enemy Is Evolving. So Must You. Invaders Evolutions transforms the classic fixed-screen alien shooter into a run-based, 100-level arcade survival war with no permanent power creep. You are humanity's last defensive line, fighting through a dark retro-industrial invasion toward the final Mothership encounter. Moment to moment, it is fast, readable arcade action: slide the turret through incom… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Invaders Evolutions.

60%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

100% User Score Based on 11 reviews

Join this adventure and discover the hiding places of 101 dogs in New Delhi in the hand-crafted landscape. Earn tons of achievements. How many can you find? Be quick! ️ If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 101 Dogs Hidden in New Delhi.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

100% User Score Based on 17 reviews

101 Cats in Naples invites you on a cozy journey to find cats hidden in a beautiful hand-crafted landscape inspired by travels around the world. ️ Explore a calm and relaxing hidden objects experience full of cats, where every corner may hide cute hidden cats waiting to be discovered. Perfect for players who enjoy cozy, calm, zen games about animals and peaceful exploration. While searching fo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hidden Pets: 101 Cats in Naples.

50%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding

52% User Score Based on 46 reviews

Join the community! About the GameSTART FROM NOTHINGStart with a basic D4 and work your way up to better and better dice! ⏫⏫ MAKE MONEYRoll Your Dice and Turn Your Luck into Cash! Each Throw Earns You Money Based On Your Roll. UPGRADE YOUR DICESpend your cash in more dice as the more dice you have, the more money you generate. Upgrade them to increase your capacity and keep growing your dice f… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Incremental Dice.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

100% User Score Based on 59 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Swan Song is a calming puzzle game set inside a mysterious music box, where you place notes on a scale to compose melodies that guide a little swan safely back to its nest. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Swan Song.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music

84% User Score Based on 119 reviews

Survive relentless waves of enemies in this intense roguelite bullet heaven where you play as a battle-hardened pickle armed with an ever-expanding arsenal. Master dodge rolls, chain powerful abilities, and craft unique builds each run as you fight to save a world consumed by darkness. Key Features Roguelite Progression - Unlock permanent upgrades and new weapons between runs while discover… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pickle Pete.

Welcome to Build & Survive – a vast, dynamic sandbox survival game where every action matters. In the heart of an uncharted land, you are dropped with nothing but your will to survive. No tutorials, no handholding — only raw nature, relentless enemies, and your ability to adapt. Build & Survive offers a deep and rewarding sandbox experience where your choices shape your destiny. Whe… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Build & Survive.

36%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:atmosphere, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

58% User Score Based on 12 reviews

Abyssal Trench is a single-player, first-person psychological horror game set deep underwater. You play as a lone explorer who awakens from cryo-sleep after a failed mission. Your escape pod is out of fuel, your team is missing, and a mysterious AI voice directs you to investigate three abandoned drilling sites scattered across the seafloor. In this narrative-driven horror experience, you must pi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Abyssal Trench.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

75% User Score Based on 1,484 reviews

Grim Clicker is an IDLE/RPG clicker where you will find your own strategy to explore the lost worlds. Inspired by games such as Diablo, Grim Dawn, Dark Souls, etc., the game features a complex character development, many unique items, active and passive playstyle. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grim Clicker.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

96% User Score Based on 26 reviews

The Tale of Relm is a turn-based fantasy RPG inspired by the golden age of the FF series. Lead a unique cast of heroes through an exciting, story-rich adventure in a hand-crafted world. Definitive Edition Update Available Now Featuring improved visuals, new difficulty options, a fast-travel warp system, extensive bug fixes, and numerous quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Tale of Relm.