The expression describes titles that share core gameplay features with Melvor Idle, a popular incremental game. Such games often emphasize resource management, skill progression, and automation, generally presenting these mechanics with minimal active input required from the player. One can anticipate gameplay centered around numbers increasing over time, unlocks being achieved through passive actions, and strategic choices made to optimize efficiency.
The importance of these types of games lies in their ability to provide a sense of progression and accomplishment with a low time investment. The genre allows players to engage with complex systems in a relaxed manner, fitting into short bursts of play throughout the day. Historically, these games built upon the foundations of earlier browser-based incremental games, evolving to incorporate more sophisticated mechanics and deeper strategic elements.