Problematic?
I have been going back and forth on this idea for a while: should I let players replaying levels they've already won or should I force them into playing the next and disable "replays"?
About the game:
I have a create a side scrolling space shooter that I hope to launch this week on the app store.
The game is FREE and it will be monetized with IAP and Ads.
Here is my train of thought:
Player CAN Replay:
Pro:
- player can farm gold
- if player gets stuck on a level he can still play the previous levels and enjoy the game. It's also good for ad revenue as gameplay isn't limited.
- player can show game to their friends and make them start from the beginning and enjoy their first gameplay as they should.
Cons:
- player can farm gold so it might impact gold sales
- player might just keep on playing the easy levels without the need to upgrade player and buy gold.
Player CANT REPLAY
Pro
- Forces the player to move up in difficulties
- Force player to upgrade and use up his gold
- Farming gold become more difficult so Gold sales may increase
Cons
- player might not like this and uninstall the game which is bad for ad revenu and gold sales
- negative words of mouth and reviews based on this options
- Limits gameplay to harder levels and if player get stuck he will stop playing: no ad revenue anymore
For now I am allowing replays because I am putting user experience first. But on the other hand, I also want to maximise my profit and I know some popular games have disabled replays.
What do you guys think about it? If you can please share your experience, as gamers or game developers that would be great!