The mindset isn't that of choosing features that will sell, the mindset should be "what makes the game fun?" and if you are successful, then the money will come. The major folly of many games is the focus on wrong or bloated features with the purpose of selling the game (such as high graphics) however you see many successful indie games that are scaled back and simple yet fun. At the end of the day, we are in the business of fun and that's what ultimately matters.

do a thorough research on all the popular games there are out there right now, and PLAY it! being a user helps to better understand what are some improvements & special features each game has before u go to the whiteboard. go and speak to gamers as well, what makes them stick to a certain game? Next, I’d design & build my game closely to meet human psychological needs. For example, the implementation of features that meets the three psychological needs from the self-determination theory - autonomy, relatedness, competence within the game, but make it better!

In today’s crowded game market, success comes down to standing out & connecting with your players. Focus on what makes your game unique, keep the gameplay fun and smooth, and pay attention to what players love right now. And don’t forget,listen to your audience. Their feedback can turn a good game into a great one.

Features that make games stand out in today's market: Innovative Core Mechanics: Develop a unique gameplay element that becomes your signature feature and marketing hook. Polished User Experience: Perfect the basics - responsive controls, smooth performance, and intuitive UI. Quality-of-life features often matter more than novelty. Community Focus: Build features that foster player engagement - multiplayer options, user-generated content tools, or social features that encourage sharing. Clear Market Position: Rather than competing broadly, excel in a specific niche. Understand your target audience's needs and over-deliver on their key priorities. Technical Excellence: Ensure rock-solid performance, fast loading times…