How to Make a Hidden Object Game?

Hidden object games are exactly what they sound like. In these games, players try to search for a specific object in a scene. These games are insanely popular as they offer a relaxing vibe but also engage your cognitive abilities. The thrill of finding objects gives players a sense of satisfaction which enhances the replayability value. Due to their popularity and global appeal, Hidden object games are still a lucrative choice for beginner game developers to enter the mobile gaming market. 

But how exactly do you make a hidden object game? 

In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating a hidden object game including the best tools for design and advanced development techniques. 

Let’s get started. 

• Idea Conceptualization: Start with a unique idea or theme for your game. 
• Select Development Tools: Choose the right game engines and development frameworks for the development process. 
• Art Style: Choose the art style that resonates best with your theme. 
• Code Game Mechanics: Develop the core gameplay mechanics with the features of your game. 
• Playtesting and Iteration: Conduct a soft launch, gather feedback, and refine the game based on it. 
• Launch and Maintenance: Keep up with the current market trends and roll out updates to introduce new features. 

What is the Hidden Object Genre?

As the name suggests, Hidden Object games are puzzle games that require players to find hidden objects in a particular picture or scene. However, modern HOG games have evolved and now feature a variety of game mechanics and features. Besides the core gameplay, these games also feature a compelling narrative that keeps the gamer hooked to their screens. 

Nowadays, fans are looking for captivating games that feature an interesting story, relatable characters, and a compelling narrative that offers a deeply immersive experience. A game filled with plot twists and exciting cutscenes ensures replayability and helps in retaining the player. 

Modern Hidden Object Games feature the following elements: 

Exciting Story: Modern HOG games feature a compelling narrative that keeps the players emotionally invested in the story. 

Appealing Locations: Various types of search locations including abandoned rooms, courtyards, street locations, castles, and even lush green landscapes are present in these games. Players have to search for the hidden objects within the scene. 

Protagonist: Every hidden object game features a main character(The Player) who is looking for the hidden objects. Besides them, there is also a guide that helps the player and various side characters they meet throughout the story. 

Item Relevance: Another common element of a hidden object game is the relevance of the hidden item in relation to the scene. The significance of each item must be in tune with the scene the player is searching. 

Objective: Every search should lead to a goal that carries the story forward. The players should clearly understand why they are searching for a specific item and how it connects with the core story. 

Adaptive Difficulty: The game starts off with basic search scenes and gets more and more complex as the players progress through the game. Time-limited scenes, obstacles, and other things are added to the scene to keep the game competitive and interesting. 

How to Create a Hidden Object Game? Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s look at how to develop a hidden object game from scratch. 

Step #1: Game Conceptualization

When creating a hidden object game, the starting is very crucial. This includes conceptualizing the game and ensuring that you are going in the right direction. Here is how you do it- 

• Idea Generation: Your hidden object game should feature a unique concept that sets it apart from others in the market. Think about your game’s USP and how it is better than your competitors. Whether it’s a compelling narrative or a unique art style, your game’s unique idea will be its X factor. 
• Compelling Story: The narrative and storyline should be engaging and captivating. A compelling story has the power to really engage the user and keep them hooked to their screens for hours. Whether you want a fantasy adventure or a modern-detective setting, make sure it resonates with the game theme. 
• Environmental Design: While the game’s focus is on hidden objects, the environment where the objects are placed should also be filled with details. From bustling cityscapes to abandoned rooms, the environment design should be detailed and should be relevant to the storyline. 
• Choose the Art Style: The art style of your game is very essential as it determines how players perceive your game. Whether you consider an immersive 3D art style or anime-themed, make sure it resonates with your target audience. 
• Simple Casual Gameplay: Hidden object games feature a casual and relaxing gameplay experience. This is because most fans prefer casual gaming filled with little competition. 

Also Read:- How to Make a Browser Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step #2: Choosing the Right Game Engine and Development Tools

After you have figured out the idea and concept of how to make a hidden object game, the next step is to choose the right game engine and development frameworks. The right tools will depend on the scope of your project and your target audience’s requirements. Here are some tools that are suitable for creating hidden object games: 

• Game Engine: For developers wondering how to make a hidden object game without much hassle, Game Maker Studio 2 and Unity stand out as suitable choices. Both of these game engines feature a user-friendly interface and are perfect for both beginners and professional developers.
• Hidden Object Game Maker: The Hidden Object Game Maker is a specialized tool designed especially for hidden object games. It simplifies the process of coding and programming object placements and puzzle designs. The game engine comes with various pre-built templates that can be customized according to your preference. 
• Hidden Object Game Template: It is a pre-built template that offers a basic wireframe for your game including the user interface and core gameplay mechanics. You can customize the template including according to your story or game narrative. This can speed up the entire process and help you create a hidden object game within a fraction of the time. 

Also Read:- How to Make a Puzzle Game: Step-by-Step Guide

Step #3 Game Design 

The heart and soul of a hidden object game are its game design and visual components. It is not just about creating visually appealing designs, it’s about creating designs that resonate with the game theme and resonate with the audience. Here is how you can create visually stunning hidden object game design- 

• Graphic Style: The art style of your game determines your game’s tone and theme. A 3D realistic graphics design is aimed at a more mature audience and will work if your game is extra competitive. However, if you are targeting young adults and kids, you can also choose a cartoonish design or anime-themed design. However, make sure to stay consistent with the art style throughout the entire game. 
• Environment Design: The environment design of your game is crucial in setting the tone of the scene. When designing a hidden object game, always consider the story and theme of the game. Is it a modern cyberpunk setting? Is it set in Victorian London? Or is it a fantasy world with exotic locations? Each scene should depict the world your game takes place in. 
• Seamless Animations: Quick and fluid animations will add a level of immersion that captivates players. Include simple animations in the environment including wind or rain to enhance the level of immersion. Moreover, animation can also be used to provide hints to players looking for hidden objects. 
• Adaptive Game Design: Since hidden object games are played across various platforms and devices, it is best to optimize your game design for various screen sizes. Since mobile gaming is dominating the industry, make sure your designs show all the important game elements across different screens. 

Step #4 Develop the Game Mechanics

The game mechanics of the hidden object game determine the core gameplay and how players interact with the game. This includes incorporating various elements so the game remains fresh and competitive. Here is how to get started- 

Leverage Variety: Proper variety in game levels and mini-games ensures that the gameplay is engaging and does not seem monotonous. This includes incorporating a mix of puzzles and other mini-games that keep players intrigued. 

Environmental Elements: The environment design should be incredibly detailed and must include interactive elements. For example, a trap door could lead to a secret entrance or overgrown bushes could uncover a new path. This keeps the game interesting and encourages players to search every nook and cranny. 

Introduce Puzzles and Mini-Games: This includes interactive content or mini-games to advance to the next clue. For example, decoding an encrypted message to know the code of the locker door or fixing a torn-up suicide letter. These mini-games and puzzles add a level of depth that keeps players coming back for more. 

Step #5 Playtesting and Iteration

After working on the game design and coding the gameplay mechanics, the next step is to conduct playtesting and refine the game. This step ensures that your game is free of any bugs or glitches and delivers a seamless gaming experience. This is how you can conduct proper testing and refinement: 

Playtesting and Feedback: Conduct a soft launch for a small group of players. They play the game and identify any bugs or improvements in your game. Watch players as they navigate through the game to grasp the exact emotion and reaction. This will help you optimize the game and ensure an immersive gaming experience. 

Analyze and Refine: After you get feedback from the players, analyze their problems. Is there a specific point in the game that is too hard? Is every player having trouble with a certain puzzle? This will help you understand how to optimize the game properly. 

Performance Optimization: Test your game across various platforms and devices to ensure proper performance without any lags or stuttering. Ensure quick loading times to ensure a smooth gameplay experience. 

Step #6 Launch and Marketing the Hidden Object Game

After creating the hidden object game, you can deploy it in the market. Marketing the game is as important as development or playtesting. You can develop a next-gen game with advanced features but players will not be able to discover it without proper promotion. Here are some simple steps to promote and market your hidden object game. 

App Store Optimization (ASO): If you are deploying your hidden object game into app stores like Google Play Store and AppStore, make sure to properly optimize it for ASO. This includes following the guidelines and standards of an app marketplace. 

CRM System: A Customer Relationship System will help you track player behavior and utilize personalized marketing campaigns. By analyzing how players interact with the hidden object game, you can create tailored campaigns according to your target audience. 

Social Media & Influencer Marketing: Since your target audience is most active on social media, make sure to use this channel to its full potential. Launch social media campaigns and contact gaming influencers to promote your game. This will help you reach a diverse audience and boost your player base. 

Final Words

This blog provides a step-by-step guide on how to make a hidden object game. Creating a successful game requires not just technical expertise but also a fundamental understanding of the market and player preferences. From generating a unique idea to designing engaging game elements, each step is crucial in game development. If you want to develop a HOG, make sure to pay special attention to the game design, illustrations, art style, mobile optimization, and game optimization. This will keep your game fresh and deliver an immersive gaming experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)