Energy system
Also said as Lives, Stamina, Timers, Wait or pay
You can only play so much before the game makes you wait, with a meter that refills over time or for money.
It splits play into short sessions and brings people back, and it can stop binge-burnout, which is a real benefit. But it is a wall built so you can sell the door. If your game needs to stop people playing to earn money, ask if you are making a game or a tollbooth. Respect people who choose to wait.
Say it
“Remove the energy meter from the campaign. If we need to pace it, end the session with a story beat and a full meter, and do not sell any way past it.”
Where you’ve seen it
Candy Crush Saga gives five lives, one back every 30 minutes, with refills for sale in gold bars. Failing a level costs a life.
Not to be confused with daily limit
A daily cap with no way to pay past it is a pacing decision. An energy system with a refill for sale is a sales tool, and it is the sale that changes what it is.