Should we copy ideas of games, or just use well know schematics + something extra?
During game creation many developers always meet a problem. What kind of game they should write this time? What is popular, or what will bring best financial results?
There are many clones of already released games, but do you think we as developers should make another one? Of course it is not said, that it won’t be successful. Although do we really need to copy all ideas that have already been used?
I think that not in all cases. In my opinion the safest way is to use well known business model plus safe and tested game mechanics. There should be a fantastic graphics, easy and clear UX, and most important – original oddments, which can really change a lot. Basically, every player don’t think about how the game was done, what technology has been used, etc. Player needs to know, that the game is fun, he likes it, and he will play it, instead of wondering “I really can’t play it… it’s awful, despite the idea. I just can’t have fun with it”.
Let’s take an example. We want to make a farming game. Well, that sound pretty easy, game mechanics are understandable for everyone. Player needs to grow his farm, earn money for better crops or machines. But, will this game become successful? It is hard to predict, there so many similar farming games, and there is a risk that players just won’t become interested.
Now, let’s to think about it other way. If you already implemented mechanics for farm game, maybe try change the idea of farm? Think about your target group, about the needs of players. Players needs something new, original, but they don’t want to feel lost. So, we need to grow a farm, maybe a farm of cosmic mushrooms, or sweet looking balloons, full of candies? Why not 
The mechanics are still the same, but attractive idea may bring more players. To farm the crops, you may send out a strange looking machines, or creatures, which you are also breeding at your farm. Monsters, cosmic creatures seem to be very popular nowadays, and I’m not suggesting you should do that. But I believe that this game sounds more interesting, than playing another copy of cows and chickens farm 😉 With an original idea, and initial feedback from publishers, who have seen the prototype, you should create an amazing, colorful graphics, and an intuitive interface. If you know, that initial draft of game idea is accepted and awaited by outside world you have your first thoughts… Yes, this definitely gonna be a great game