Thursdays

Ever found yourself staring at your screen, engrossed in a game that seems deceptively simple, yet utterly captivating? That’s often the magic of a good store management game, and today, we’re diving into one of the OGs of the genre: Cookie Clicker. While it might not involve stocking shelves or balancing budgets in a traditional sense, Cookie Clicker perfectly encapsulates the core loops and satisfying progression that make these games so addictive.

From Humble Beginnings: The Core Gameplay Loop

At its heart, Cookie Clicker starts with the most basic of tasks: clicking a giant cookie. Each click earns you one delicious cookie. Simple, right? But this isn't just about endlessly tapping your mouse button. The genius of Cookie Clicker lies in its clever automation and exponential growth.

As you accumulate cookies, you can purchase "buildings" – like Grandmas, Farms, Factories, and even mind-bending portals to other dimensions. These buildings automatically…