Analysis of Fate Grand Order
The Simplicity of Fate/Grand Order: Menu Interactions, NFT Staking Parallels, and AFK Idle Gaming
While top mobile games such as Clash Royale and Fortnite have been occupying player time and spending in the United States, Fate Grand Order has been building a billion-dollar dynasty in Japan. In fact, Sensor Tower Store Intelligence data reveals that the game from Sony's Aniplex has now earned more than $2 billion in player spending globally, with more than 97 percent of that coming from Japan.
Based on the Fate series of Japanese anime and manga, the game launched in Japan in August 2015 and has been a top 10 grossing mobile game there ever since. Fate Grand Order revenue surpassed $290 million worldwide last quarter on the App Store and Google Play, representing a 35 percent increase year-over-year from the second quarter of 2017.
Sensor Tower estimates show that iOS gamers contribute approximately 64 percent of Fate Grand Order's revenue globally, compared to 36 percent from Google Play. The game was No. 3 in terms of worldwide revenue for repeated months across both platforms, grossing more than $100 million, ranking No. 4 and No. 3 for App Store and Google Play revenue, respectively.
Fate/Grand Order (FGO) is a global phenomenon in the mobile gaming world, celebrated for its deep narrative and ties to the Fate franchise. While its success stems from engaging storytelling and a devoted fanbase, the core gameplay is surprisingly simple. Most interactions occur through menus rather than action-based gameplay, aligning it with the AFK (away-from-keyboard) idle game genre. Furthermore, its mechanics bear striking similarities to NFT staking systems, where strategic resource management and passive rewards are prioritized over active participation.
A Simple, Menu-Driven Experience
Core Gameplay Design FGO features turn-based combat that allows players to select three characters (Servants) and deploy them in battle using a card system. While battles may appear strategic, they often involve selecting optimal cards and repeating established tactics. The true complexity lies outside of combat, within the menus.
Menu-Centric Engagement Players spend significant time in menus managing resources such as Saint Quartz (for summoning characters), embers (for leveling up), and skill materials. Team composition, character upgrades, and event participation are all menu-driven activities, emphasizing preparation over action. This design fosters a gameplay loop focused on strategic planning and resource allocation, keeping players engaged without requiring constant interaction.
AFK Idle Game Characteristics FGO shares many traits with AFK idle games, a genre defined by minimal active gameplay and reward accrual over time. Players can repeatedly run farming quests or event battles with little real-time decision-making. The progression largely occurs offline or passively, reflecting the genre’s appeal to players seeking rewarding experiences without heavy time commitments.
Similarities to NFT Staking
Low-Interaction Reward Systems Just as FGO relies on menus for most interactions, NFT staking involves locking assets into a protocol with minimal ongoing effort. In both systems, the initial setup—choosing a Servant team or staking an NFT—is the most active stage of engagement, with rewards accruing passively over time.
Resource Management and Value Growth FGO players grind resources to strengthen their characters, much like stakers lock NFTs to earn tokens or other rewards. Both systems hinge on strategic management, whether it’s optimizing battle rosters or maximizing staking returns.
Scarcity as a Value Driver FGO’s gacha mechanics capitalize on the scarcity of rare Servants to drive engagement, mirroring how NFT staking often ties rewards to rare or exclusive digital assets. This scarcity creates perceived value and incentivizes participation in both ecosystems.
Long-Term Engagement Models In FGO, players are rewarded for consistent engagement through events and progression opportunities, while staking rewards in NFT ecosystems grow over time. Both systems emphasize sustained participation over short-term bursts of activity.
Fate/Grand Order is a testament to how simple, menu-driven gameplay can foster a massive and enduring player base. Its alignment with the AFK idle game genre and similarities to NFT staking reveal a broader appeal rooted in passive engagement, resource optimization, and the allure of rarity. Through its innovative mechanics and narrative depth, FGO continues to thrive, offering lessons for both traditional gaming and decentralized ecosystems.
Last updated