**The Abundance of Roguelikes and Roguelites: A Double-Edged Sword**

In recent years, the gaming landscape has become increasingly saturated with roguelikes and roguelites. These genres, rooted in the 1980 classic *Rogue*, have undergone significant evolution, leading to the development of numerous titles that both honor and deviate from the original formula. Games like *Dead Cells*, *Balatro*, *FTL: Faster Than Light*, and the peculiar *Morsels* illustrate a growing trend in both indie and mainstream gaming that invites scrutiny.

According to SteamDB, a staggering 1,602 games tagged as “roguelike” were published in 2024 alone, compared to just 312 in 2020. This booming interest raises the question: how many of these games genuinely embody the characteristics that define a roguelike or roguelite? As the terminology blurs, we find ourselves in a landscape where the distinction between these genres has become increasingly ambiguous.

### Defining Roguelikes and Roguelites

Roguelikes are generally characterized by permadeath, procedurally generated levels, and character progression. Roguelites, while still incorporating elements of randomness, often introduce systems that allow players to retain some progress across runs, lowering the sting of failure. This distinction, however, has become muddled as many developers draw inspiration from both categories, resulting in a convoluted understanding of what these terms actually entail.

### The Business of Roguelikes

Publishers like tinyBuild have extensively invested in this genre due to its compatibility with “modern” gaming habits. As Arnaud Richard from tinyBuild noted, the roguelike format supports shorter play sessions, catering to players’ busier lifestyles. The procedural generation and randomized elements keep gameplay fresh, allowing for repeated interactions without boredom. This efficiency extends to game development, where studios can maximize variety without the need for extensive hand-crafted content.

In an industry increasingly focused on recurring revenue models, roguelikes offer a sustainable framework for player engagement. Their design fosters repeat visits, appropriate for subscription models like Game Pass, which prioritize player retention and discoverability.

### Creative Development in Roguelikes

Beyond the commercial appeal, the flexibility of roguelikes provides small teams, such as those at prettysmart games, the opportunity to produce rich experiences without the extensive resources typical of AAA projects. Creative director Miko Charbonneau affirmed that the roguelike genre not only encourages innovative gameplay but also allows for the exploration of unique themes and aesthetics within a manageable framework.

However, even those who embrace the roguelike model express concerns over the dilution of the term’s meaning. Charbonneau pointed out that with so many variations emerging, the distinctive qualities that set roguelikes apart may become lost, risking a future where the genre no longer holds any recognizable identity.

### The Philosophical Rogue

The essence of the “rogue” in these games transcends mere stealth or combat mechanics. It embodies a spirit of defiance, the thrill of unpredictability, and the playful cruelty of chance. While traditional interpretations portray rogues as sneaky, modern understandings suggest that to “go rogue” means to challenge expectations. This philosophical approach invites players to engage with the unpredictability of procedural generation, reinforcing the idea that the world they navigate is inherently rogue in nature.

As the genre continues to evolve, it’s crucial for developers and players alike to appreciate the unique qualities that roguelikes and roguelites offer while safeguarding the coherence and significance of their terms. Whether through nuanced game design or player experience, the heart of what makes roguelikes compelling lies in their capacity to surprise and deceive, fostering an ongoing dialogue about their place in gaming culture.