Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, explained why animated adaptation of his comic failed. Fans of the comic didn’t watch the cartoon because they disliked Dilbert’s voice—a small detail that alienated them.
Comics like Dilbert thrive because they don’t tell the reader much. We don’t know Dilbert’s last name, address, job title, or what his company does. His boss is simply “The Boss.” This vagueness lets readers project their own experiences onto the characters.
Similarly, the most successful casino games rely on broad, simple themes:
- Generic Chinese theme
- Generic Egyptian theme
- Generic Greek theme
- Jewels
- Strong animals
- Sexy characters
These themes are deliberately sparse, offering just enough context to engage without overwhelming players. Too many details risk alienating the audience.
Take the game Crash as an example. A rocket and a number rise, and you cash out before it crashes. That’s it. Would it be as popular if we knew who was in the rocket, where it’s going, or why? Probably not. Simplicity keeps players hooked.
Less detail often means more connection. Whether in comics or games, leaving room for imagination drives engagement.
SolCalc Consulting 