Snowball - Games

In game design, 'Snowball' describes a positive feedback loop where early advantages compound into overwhelming dominance. This mechanic appears in strategy games through resource snowballing, in MOBAs via level leads, and in roguelikes with synergistic item builds. It creates high-risk, high-reward dynamics, rewarding skillful play but risking imbalanced matches if unchecked. Designers often implement catch-up mechanics to mitigate runaway victories, preserving tension. The snowball effect embodies gaming's core appeal: the thrill of momentum, where small successes cascade into satisfying power fantasies.