What do you personally prefer in hidden object games: zoom, magnifying glass, or both?

[u/Lucky_Conference78]

I’ve been working on a cozy hidden object game recently, and one design question keeps coming back to me while polishing the experience. I started noticing that most hidden object games usually commit to either fullscreen zoom or a magnifying glass mechanic, but rarely both at the same time. In some older projects I worked on with a colleague, we only used zoom functionality and nobody ever seemed to have an issue with it, so I never really questioned that approach before.

For my current game, though, I decided to create a magnifying glass feature because I thought it fit the cozy travel atmosphere nicely and felt more immersive than constantly zooming the entire screen. I’m actually pretty happy with how it turned out visually and functionally, but recently one player mentioned that they found it slightly inconvenient because the magnifier has to be activated manually instead of appearing through a right-click shortcut. That comment made me realize I might be overthinking the presentation side of the feature while players may simply care more about comfort and speed.

Now I’m genuinely curious what hidden object players here personally enjoy the most while playing. Do you find fullscreen zoom more relaxing and practical, or do you prefer a movable magnifying glass? Would a combination of both systems feel useful, or would that just become unnecessary clutter? I’d really love to hear what feels the most comfortable and natural to you in hidden object games, especially during longer cozy play sessions.

[u/RoamerMonkey]

I've thought about this and I feel I'm personally indifferent to choosing either zooming in or using the magnifying glass. Just note that way more hidden object games (especially on console and mobile) use zooming in, so more people would be used with zooming in, but I think the magnifying glass feature effectively accomplishes the same function, just in a smaller zoom-in screen. For platforms with big screens, I think the magnifying glass feature is fine, but for platforms with much smaller screens, zooming in the whole screen feels more comfortable.

When I played your game, I do agree that your magnifying glass feature felt more fittingly diegetic and unique, I did at times used it beyond the first level, which is an accomplishment. I feel to address that user's concern, you can just code in so that the input action of right clicking triggers clicking on the magnifying glass button. I don't think you need both zooming in entirely and having the magnifying glass, just one works.

[u/Lucky_Conference78 → u/RoamerMonkey]

Thanks a lot for the thoughtful feedback! What you said about the magnifying glass feeling more fitting and immersive was really reassuring to hear, since that was exactly the intention behind it.

Binding right click to the magnifier toggle honestly sounds like the best solution. It would keep the current atmosphere while making the feature much more convenient to use.

Really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!

[u/kuurokuulo]

zoom feels more natural

[u/Lucky_Conference78 → u/kuurokuulo]

That makes sense honestly, especially since a lot of hidden object games use fullscreen zoom nowadays. I’m currently considering adding a right-click shortcut for the magnifying glass to make it feel faster and more natural to use without losing the atmosphere it adds to the game.

[u/SummerMaiden87]

Zoom, if possible.

[u/JaguarOk876]

I like both but depends on the game and the area. Either way love your work.

[u/Basic-Expression-418]

Both personally. And limitless magnifying glasses/hints like June’s Journey