Lowball - Games

In gaming, 'lowball' refers to a design strategy where developers intentionally present a modest or underwhelming initial impression to lower player expectations, then exceed them through hidden depth or surprising quality. This approach is often used in indie games or demos to create a 'wow' effect, subverting the hype-driven marketing of AAA titles. It can symbolize resourcefulness, where constraints breed creativity, or serve as a commentary on industry bloat. Mechanically, it might manifest as deceptively simple gameplay that gradually reveals complexity, rewarding patient engagement over flashy first impressions.