The casual gaming industry is undergoing a remarkable shift, with browser games taking center stage. More frequently, web versions follow the release of mobile games. This was the case with Merge Hospital, a casual Merge game that combines the best elements of casual gaming with a unique hospital theme. Originally launched on mobile platforms, Azerion Casual Games has now adapted Merge Hospital to HTML5 for web play.
This article explores the core gameplay of Merge Hospital, highlights its unique features, and examines how the studio adapted it for the web. Lorenzo De Carlo, Senior Game Producer at Azerion Casual Gaming, shares insights on what makes the game stand out in the world of web-based casual games.
Merge, Manage, and Uncover Stories
Merge Hospital is a casual Merge-2 game set in a hospital environment. It belongs to the well-known Operate Now franchise, which focuses on hospital management and medical themes.
Building on the Operate Now Hospital IP’s reputation for blending hospital management with casual gameplay, Merge Hospital introduces a fresh twist. Players merge identical items to create improved versions, progressing through levels while unlocking character-driven stories. Lighthearted comics and engaging dialogues reveal the backgrounds of hospital staff, keeping the experience fun and immersive.
With its strong brand identity, Merge Hospital is instantly recognizable to fans of the Operate Now series. The hospital setting seamlessly integrates with Merge-2 mechanics, offering a rich foundation for engaging narratives and character development.
Core Gameplay Features: Merging for Progress
At the heart of Merge Hospital is its core gameplay loop, which revolves around the Merge-2 mechanic. Players begin by merging two identical items to create a more advanced item. For example, players can merge two first-aid kits to create a medical supply used in the hospital.
This cycle of merging continues throughout the game, with players gradually unlocking new levels, items, and characters as they progress through the story.
Merge Hospital thematically is very unique, there is no other Merge game out there that combines a deep, slightly more mature, hospital story with merge mechanics. I’ve put a lot of effort into the story and characters and I believe that players – that are invested in these characters and story – will come back for more.
Master Core Mechanic: Generators That Evolve Gameplay
A unique aspect of Merge Hospital is the use of generators. These produce items that players can merge to progress. For example, a first-aid kit generator may create kits players use in merging. This mechanic forms the game’s strategic core and keeps gameplay engaging across acts.
Generators generate items the player can merge. Progressing through the story not only unlocks each character’s backstory but also a generator, and boosters, that belong to that character. Players unlock hearts and can progress through the story at their own pace.
From Items to Stories: How Merging Unlocks New Game Acts
Merge Hospital has story-driven gameplay. To blend Meta story and gameplay is sometimes challenging. As players progress, they collect hearts through merging, which they use to access new story content. The story unfolds through animated comics that delve into the hospital’s characters and their backgrounds.
Each act focuses on a different character. For example, Act 1 focuses on Sandy’s Story, while Act 2 introduces Gary, the mechanic. The game features episodic content, with new stories unlocked as players advance.
Casual and Engaging: Perfect for Short Sessions
One of the reasons Merge Hospital is so appealing is its casual nature. Unlike complex games requiring long sessions, this game suits players with just a few minutes to spare. Whether they have five minutes or more, players can jump in and start merging right away.
This makes it an ideal choice for players seeking quick entertainment during short breaks or idle moments. The game also supports cross-device play on both desktop and mobile, offering flexibility to enjoy it anytime, anywhere.
The game is easy to get into and caters very well to casual gamers, but it also offers a lot of depth in the characters and story elements for more engaged users. The game will build up a new audience with the web version, being a valuable addition to the game monetization.
Adapting Merge Hospital for HTML5: Challenges and Solutions
While the title has been a success on mobile platforms, adapting it for HTML5 came with its own set of challenges to ensure compatibility with web browsers.
Optimizing for Landscape Mode
One of the main adjustments required for the HTML5 version was optimizing the game’s design for landscape mode. The team restructured the original portrait layout to fit desktop and mobile landscape views, adjusting the arrangement of UI elements accordingly.
The aspect ratio was another consideration, as HTML5 games often use a 4:3 ratio or landscape orientation.
The game was initially developed for app stores, but we’ve recently recreated it for the web. This means that we had to make it adaptive and readjust the UI to make it work for desktop devices. On mobile it works in portrait view, while on desktop we adapted it to a four by three ratio.
Streamlining the Game Experience
Another challenge was simplifying some of the more complex elements from the mobile app version of the game. For example, the hospital management meta, which was a feature in the mobile version, had to be removed from the web version. The focus shifted to the core gameplay (merging items) and story progression rather than hospital management and complex 3D scenes. This allowed for a more streamlined and accessible experience on the web, where players tend to have shorter play sessions.
Monetization Strategy: Ads and Reward Systems
While the focus of Merge Hospital is firmly on gameplay, it’s important to note that monetization in the HTML5 version is driven primarily through rewarded ads. Players can earn energy and items by watching ads, which helps them continue progressing through the game. This ad-based model replaces in-app purchases (IAPs) that were present in the mobile version, making the web version more accessible to players who prefer to avoid spending money.
This model also benefits developers and publishers by providing a steady stream of advertisement revenue without requiring players to make any direct purchases.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Merge Hospital on Web
The release of Merge Hospital on HTML5 is just the beginning. Most likely there will be other seasons published soon. With plans for additional episodes or acts, players can expect new content that expands the story, introduces new characters, and adds more items to merge. These additional releases will help keep the gameplay fresh and ensure that players continue to engage with the game over time.
Furthermore, with the potential to collaborate with platforms like GameDistribution, Merge Hospital is set to reach even more players across the globe.
Merge Hospital brings a unique, engaging gameplay experience to the world of HTML5 gaming. With its simple yet strategic Merge-2 mechanics, story-driven content, and casual gameplay, it’s perfectly suited for web players looking for short and fun gaming sessions. The HTML5 version provides a seamless experience across mobile and desktop platforms, while the ad-based monetization model ensures accessibility for all types of players.
The merge mechanics and generators are key to keeping players engaged, while the shift to web platforms allows Merge Hospital to reach new audiences. With future content updates and the potential for more games in the series, Merge Hospital is setting a new standard for browser-based casual games.
