[Aignam]

Good question!

I think that the most important element to the creation of a successful game is action and excitement.

Let's face it---it's good when spectators can keep track of the game, see what's going on, keep score, and so on...but it's better when things are flying, stuff is getting smashed, and FIRST becomes Battlebots + Gracious Professionalism + Woody Flowers instead of half-naked showgirls.

Now, I know that sounded really really stupid, but hear me out!

I think we can all agree that Stack Attack (2003) was the most "bash 'em up" game ever. And some didn't like that, and that's completely understandable. But, in my experience at least, that's been the best spectator game so far. Let's face it---what gets most people (Americans, anyways..) going better than some smashed robots?

Don't get me wrong, I love the games like 2004 where you need an incredible manipulator, an amazing strategy, and so on and so forth---but in terms of what makes a good spectator game---simplicity, excitement, and action. Stack Attack is a perfect example.