Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline in cultural engagement among contemporary internet users, highlighting the rise of simple and addictive mini-games that occupy users' fragmented time, leading to a cycle of temporary engagement and eventual abandonment [2][72]. Group 1: Mini-Games Popularity - Mini-games like "抓大鹅" and "羊了个羊" have seen a decline in social relevance, yet simpler games are emerging and gaining traction among users [4][9]. - Users are increasingly drawn to these games due to their straightforward mechanics and the ability to play in short bursts, making them ideal for filling fragmented time [17][18]. - The average user encounters numerous new games daily, increasing the likelihood of finding one that captures their interest [13][60]. Group 2: Game Mechanics and User Engagement - The simplicity of gameplay in these mini-games allows for easy onboarding, which is a significant factor in their appeal [32][35]. - Many games follow familiar templates, making it easy for users to transition between different titles without a steep learning curve [49][50]. - Game developers often replicate successful mechanics and aesthetics to create new titles, ensuring a steady stream of content that keeps users engaged [54][56]. Group 3: Revenue Generation - The mini-game market in China is projected to generate approximately 398.36 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 99.18% year-on-year growth [59]. - Most casual mini-games do not incorporate in-app purchases, relying instead on ad revenue generated from user engagement [61][62]. - The revenue model is heavily dependent on user activity, with a typical user generating about 0.05 yuan in ad revenue, necessitating high daily active users for profitability [65][66]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The lifecycle of mini-games is short, with developers often creating a matrix of games to replace those that lose popularity [66][70]. - The production logic for these games mirrors that of short video content, focusing on rapid development and quick monetization through advertising [68][69]. - Users exhibit low loyalty to any single game, often switching between titles based on immediate interest, which aligns with the transient nature of modern entertainment consumption [70][71].