As a basic explanation, an ever green game is one that never ends. It is a game that generally does not have worlds, levels or distinct game boards to conquer. Rather it is a generic game that can be played a thousand times over. Imagine a green field that basically never ends.
Casino and card based games are generally the best example of an ever green game. Let’s look at a game that provides a virtual slot machine. What does your turn comprise of. You pull a lever, the reels spin, you (may) get a prize and then your turn is over. You then either perform that single loop a thousand more times or you do not.
By contrast, let’s look at a popular game known as Angry Birds. This game has a distinct level progression and pre-determined game boards. Once you complete a level you move on to the next one. In order for you to move onto the next level, a pre-made level must already exist. You can go back to an already completed level and do it again, but ultimately, in order for you to progress in the game to new game play, a pre-defined level must exist for you.
The main advantage of an ever green game is that you do not have to continue creating new levels and game boards. Games that have levels and distinct game boards often see a much lower total user base than those games that are ever green. However ever green games often have users that are more dedicated and have a longer life span within the game.
This player style create both challenges and opportunities for you as a game designer. The main advantage is that you don’t have to spend time and effort creating and programming new levels. The disadvantage is that your competition will be stronger since you are relying on a public game style, rather than unique game boards that you are creating.
Game designers of ever green games then have the challenge of differentiating their game play from the other dozens of games that do exactly what they do. Let’s look at slot machine games as an example. There are dozens of slot games in the app market today. Game designers of these slots game work to differentiate themselves by having better graphs, more entertaining bonus rounds and many games even license out well known brands to help them stand apart.
What if your game is not an ever green game style? Are you just plain out of luck? Well - not exactly. Even if your core gaming loop is not an ever green mechanic you can still add elements that are ever green into your game. It may be tempting to add these components just because you can - however use caution. Do not add a component unless it makes sense to your game play and game loop. Otherwise you could end up with a gumbo style collection of random game play elements that distract your users.
Peer to Peer actions. Adding in a peer to peer interaction is one of the best ever green mechanics that can be added. You get the benefit of social interaction, as well as a sense of community. Users like playing games that they feel other people are involved in and playing as well. The most common example of this mechanic is employed by tower defense style games. In the basic game loop, you have a home base that you defend while the computer based enemy attacks you. You can also engage in level based progression challenges against the computer. These levels however are all pre-defined and it is possible to “beat” the game. Once you get to a high enough level many tower defense games open up the ability to battle other users. As long as there are other users playing the game, you will always have something else you can do in the game. All of sudden, you now have an ever green component in your game.