Skill or Luck — which kind of games will rule the next decade?

[tbes50203]

I’ve been into online games for years, mostly competitive ones like strategy or card battlers. But lately, I’ve noticed a big shift — more people I know are getting into games based on pure chance, like online roulette or simplified mobile “spin and win” apps. It’s weird because I used to think skill-based games would always dominate since they reward time and effort. But now, it feels like people want quick rewards instead of grinding or mastering mechanics. I remember spending months trying to get better at a tactical shooter, and when I finally ranked up, it was an amazing feeling. But my cousin plays a luck-based card game, wins randomly, and gets the same rush instantly. It made me wonder if maybe in the long run, people prefer unpredictability over mastery. Personally, I still believe games of skill have more staying power — they keep your brain engaged and give you that sense of improvement. But the randomness of luck games definitely has its own addictive charm, and it’s hard to compete with that dopamine hit.

[EvanDuke]

I think both types will survive, but in different ways. I read this article on https://lekhaporabd.net/archives/46728 that explained how the balance between skill and luck is actually what keeps the gaming world dynamic. It said something that made a lot of sense — people are drawn to the illusion of control. Even in luck-based games, most of us think we can somehow “influence” the outcome, which keeps us hooked. I’ve played a lot of both, from poker (which mixes skill and chance) to casual spin games, and what I’ve noticed is that luck games win when people want short bursts of fun, while skill games keep loyal communities over time. One thing I learned the hard way is that when you invest hours improving your skill, even losing feels productive, but losing to randomness can feel empty. Still, the social aspect of chance games can make up for it — people love the shared thrill of “maybe this time.” And with more games adding random elements, even skill-based titles are blending the two. I think the future isn’t about one beating the other but about hybrid games where strategy meets unpredictability. It’s already happening — even esports titles are adding mechanics that bring that feeling of luck into play.

[thiefcrazy98]

Sometimes I think the reason we chase both luck and mastery is the same — we want to feel alive when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Maybe it’s not really about winning or losing but about the rush that comes from not knowing how things will turn out. That tension keeps us playing, no matter what kind of game it is.