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Difficulty spike

Video game concept

*123*
49
games
26
platforms

At some point over the course of the game, the difficulty jumps up disproportionally high compared to anything previous. Often only temporarily (e.g. one level).

Notable people involved: Andrew Lackey, Johannes Fighuber, Thomas Mahler, Gennadiy Korol and Simon Phipps

This is likely the point where casual players stop playing the game, for good.

Does not refer to difficulty spike when comparing two or more difficulty levels.

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Games by year

838587899193959799010305070911131517 82460

The first Difficulty spike video game was released in 1983.

The Learning Company, Nicalis, Microsoft Studios and Electronic Arts published most of these games.

Platforms

Windows11
Linux7
Mac OS X4
Apple II E2
MS-DOS2
Tandy Coco2
PS22
PS31
Wii1
Mega-CD1
Archimedes1
Atari ST1
NEC PC98011
Game Gear1
Switch1
C641
Amiga1
Mac OS Classic1
SNES1
Xbox1
NES1
Master System1
GP2X1
Mega Drive1
Dreamcast1
X3601

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