Side Activities: Most Similar to Other Games?

Introduction

Video games often feature side activities—mini-games, collectibles, or optional quests—that provide players with additional content beyond the main storyline. Some of these activities are so well-designed that they feel like standalone games. Others, however, bear striking resemblances to mechanics found in other titles.

This article explores side activities in popular games and compares them to similar mechanics in other franchises. Are these similarities coincidental, or do developers take inspiration from each other? Let’s dive in.

1. Gwent (The Witcher 3) vs. Hearthstone (Blizzard)

One of the most beloved side activities in gaming history is Gwent from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This collectible card game became so popular that CD Projekt Red later released Gwent: The Witcher Card Game as a standalone title.

Similarities to Hearthstone

• Turn-based card battles: Both games involve strategic deck-building and turn-based combat.
• Faction-based decks: Gwent’s Northern Realms, Nilfgaard, etc., resemble Hearthstone’s classes (Mage, Warrior, etc.).
• Special abilities: Cards in both games have unique effects that alter gameplay.

Key Differences

• Gameplay style: Gwent is about winning two out of three rounds with limited cards, while Hearthstone focuses on depleting an opponent’s health.
• Resource system: Gwent has no mana system, unlike Hearthstone’s incremental mana gain.

Verdict: Gwent clearly draws inspiration from traditional card games but evolves into something distinct.

2. Caravan (Fallout: New Vegas) vs. Poker (Traditional Card Games)

Fallout: New Vegas introduced Caravan, a card game that players could engage in for caps (the game’s currency).

Similarities to Poker

• Bluffing and strategy: Like poker, Caravan involves predicting opponents' moves.
• Betting system: Players wager in-game money, similar to poker chips.

Key Differences

• Unique rules: Caravan requires building numbered decks in ascending or descending order, unlike poker’s hand rankings.
• No multiplayer: Unlike poker, Caravan is single-player only.

Verdict: Caravan borrows the gambling aspect of poker but introduces a completely different rule set.

3. Triple Triad (Final Fantasy VIII) vs. Magic: The Gathering

Triple Triad, the card game in Final Fantasy VIII, is a fan-favorite side activity.

Similarities to Magic: The Gathering (MTG)

• Collectible cards: Both games encourage players to gather rare cards.
• Elemental affinities: Cards in Triple Triad have elemental strengths/weaknesses, similar to MTG’s color system.

Key Differences

• Board-based gameplay: Triple Triad is played on a 3x3 grid, while MTG is a free-form card battle.
• Simplified rules: Triple Triad is easier to learn compared to MTG’s complexity.

Verdict: While both involve strategic card placement, Triple Triad is more of a puzzle game than a true CCG.

4. Fishing Mini-Games (Multiple Games) vs. Real Fishing Simulators

Fishing is a common side activity in RPGs (Stardew Valley, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda).

Similarities to Fishing Simulators

• Timing-based mechanics: Games like Fishing Planet and RDR2 require precise button presses.
• Bait and tackle systems: Both use different lures for different fish.

Key Differences

• Realism: Simulators like Euro Fishing focus on accuracy, while RPGs simplify mechanics.
• Rewards: In Stardew Valley, fishing helps progression; in simulators, it’s the main activity.

Verdict: Fishing in RPGs is a casual take on real fishing simulations.

5. Lockpicking (Skyrim) vs. Lockpicking (Thief Series)

Many games feature lockpicking, but Skyrim and Thief handle it differently.

Similarities

• Skill-based progression: Both require player skill and in-game perks.
• Tension mechanics: A failed attempt can alert enemies.

Key Differences

• Minigame style: Skyrim uses a rotating lock mechanism, while Thief relies on sound cues.
• Realism: Thief’s system is more immersive, while Skyrim’s is arcade-like.

Verdict: Both systems serve the same purpose but with different execution.

Conclusion: Inspiration or Coincidence?

Side activities often borrow mechanics from other games but adapt them to fit their own worlds. Whether it’s card games, fishing, or lockpicking, developers refine these mechanics to enhance immersion without outright copying.

The best side activities feel fresh yet familiar—balancing originality with proven gameplay concepts.

What’s your favorite in-game side activity? Does it remind you of another game? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: #Gaming #SideActivities #GameMechanics #Gwent #Hearthstone #TripleTriad #Lockpicking #FishingGames