Core Insights - The article discusses the newly released game "Line Dog: Animal Hot Spring," which quickly became a bestseller on Steam and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players [1][10] - The game is characterized as a healing, idle simulation game that allows players to manage a hot spring while multitasking with other activities [1][10] Game Mechanics and Design - "Line Dog: Animal Hot Spring" features a unique design that occupies only a quarter of the screen, making it suitable for casual play while working [1][10] - The game allows players to manage various aspects of the hot spring, such as water temperature and employee hiring, but also includes an idle mechanic where the game continues to generate income without active player involvement [2][10] - The game has been criticized for its lack of engagement over time, as players can achieve significant progress without direct interaction, leading to a sense of detachment from the gameplay experience [2][10] Historical Context of Idle Games - The article references a paper that categorizes idle games, noting that the genre has a long history, with early examples dating back to games like "Angband" and "World of Warcraft" [4][6] - Key milestones in the evolution of idle games include the release of "Endless Progress Bar" in 2002, which is considered the origin of idle games, and "Cookie Clicker" in 2013, which established a numerical growth system for clicker games [4][6] - The introduction of the "rebirth" system in "Clicker Heroes" and the complexity of "Cat Quest Builder" are highlighted as significant developments in the genre [6][10] Design Philosophy of Idle Games - Idle games prioritize game mechanics over graphics or controls, with the core enjoyment derived from the act of "idling" itself [7][10] - Players must balance immediate and offline rewards, and successful players often spend less time playing due to their ability to strategize effectively [7][10] - The design of idle games typically includes diminishing returns on player activity, which challenges traditional gaming notions of constant engagement [7][10] Conclusion on "Line Dog: Animal Hot Spring" - The game embodies many positive traits of successful idle games, such as appealing visuals and straightforward mechanics, but suffers from inherent issues like excessive automation leading to reduced player engagement [10] - The challenge lies in finding a balance between automation and player participation to maintain a sense of achievement and enjoyment [10]