Mechanical Bloat and Genre Hybridization

Discussion

The conversation around bloat usually focuses on map size or quest counts. The more pressing issue is mechanical bloat. Many recent titles integrate skill trees, crafting, and base building not as core pillars, but as industry standard checkboxes. When these systems are grafted onto a game without a clear purpose, they often function as a distraction from a shallow core loop. You end up spending more time in menus optimizing numbers than engaging with the actual gameplay. This approach prioritizes the appearance of depth over intentional design. Which game did you play where a specific hybrid mechanic felt like it was there just to satisfy a trend, and how did it impact your interaction with the core loop?