Since starting StyleHop I have spent a lot of time thinking about online games and we have been fortunate to have a couple of really talented gamers helping us develop fashion games women will love.  We have a couple of fashion games out now (Fashion Cents and Hot Tops Boutique) that are good but our next game, FriendTrend, scheduled to launch in April is going to be great.

So what makes a great online game?

1. Delight – That intangible, magical something you feel when you first encounter a game.
2. Originality – There has to be something unique, right?  But it can’t be too different.  It needs to feel familiar yet fresh.  A tough balancing act for game producers.
3. Hook – There’s a rhythm created that keeps you playing….over and over and over again.
4. Click, Click – We are learning this one….the more you get that mouse moving, the more you keep the brain engaged.

Let’s crowd-source the last six.  What do you think makes a great online game?