Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a game I loved growing up. The mechanics are very anticlimactic; there is no challenge or confrontation at all. Players own a little house that they can decorate to attract a variety of kitties to come and hang out. The core mechanics are very simple, including a currency of fish (brought by cats, which can be spent to decorate the house), a marketplace for purchases, and a background timer that attracts cats based on specific items placed in the house.
The dynamic created by the mechanisms’ delayed gratification is very chill and nonchalant, which generally corresponds to the target users of cat lovers. There is no time pressure, competition of any sort, penalization, or opponent play. The game is set up so that the user closes the app after simple setups and waits over time to find new cats appearing.
The main aesthetics are abnegation (game as a pastime) and discovery. The passive dynamic avoids challenges and makes sure players only experience lighthearted, rewarding signals in play. The main source of joy is having a comfortable, secure space where players know they will surely be accompanied by interesting cat friends. This game is an exemplification that successful play doesn’t require dramatic tension or a competitive component.
