I see so many hypercasual games topping the app charts, but they all look so simple. What exactly makes a hypercasual game "great"? Is it the graphics, the mechanics, or something else entirely?

The brilliance of hypercasual games lies in their simplicity — but simple doesn't mean easy to design. A great hypercasual game usually revolves around one core mechanic that's intuitive and instantly engaging. Teams at a hypercasual game development company often focus heavily on how quickly a player can understand and enjoy the gameplay. Good graphics help, but they’re secondary to flow and responsiveness. The onboarding should be nearly invisible, with gameplay starting within seconds. Moreover, replayability and subtle challenges that keep the player trying again are essential. Many top games go through dozens of iterations before they find the right balance. Also, keep an eye on metrics like retention and CPI — they’re vital in determining whether a concept is scalable.