Survival games tap into our inner primitive instincts, as articulated by Subnautica 2 designer Anthony Gallegos. He believes these games resonate strongly with players due to their fundamental appeal for shelter and food.

In a recent discussion, Gallegos noted that exposure to survival game mechanics often proves accessible, even to children, reflecting a universal design that is approachable.

He shared an anecdote about witnessing a child adeptly building a base in the game Astroneer, reinforcing his belief in the engaging simplicity of survival game mechanics. As he put it, “Everyone’s little monkey brains like shelter and food.”

This connection to primal instincts may explain why survival games maintain their popularity despite evolving gameplay dynamics. “People who play survival games tend to try multiple titles, shifting from one game to another as new content emerges," he added, highlighting the preeminence of both social interaction and simpler mechanics, enabling players to enjoy these games without overwhelming complexity.