[protomyth]

Games that fit well in the "I am waiting in line"-scenario have simple, addictive mechanics. The mechanics of these games are not hard to clone[1]. Angry Birds is an artillery game with many predecessors, but was done in a distinctive and new package. Its mechanics are very simple as it needs to be to sell as a super casual game.

Programmers seem to like these games with simple rules. This is not a new phenomena just look at the history of Life. When the code is open (e.g. 2048) it tends to allow for a lot of experimentation.

All that being said, I don't think 2048 is a Threes clone since it has a different feel and works by different rules.

1) I'm not saying the clone will be as good

[rz2k]

I'm taking a Coursera class on discrete optimization where the grading feedback depends on your implementation of canonical problems. Optimizing your problems with better heuristics get you a better score.

Simply matching up like tiles in 2048 gets you further than only randomly moving. Then trying to put the largest sums in sorted order along one edge gets you further, but very rarely results in winning. Then by developing strategies about when to move the mass of tiles toward a single tile and when to move a single tile toward a mass, or setting up paths that are longer than the 4 tile length edge, I can win about half the time (or maybe a quarter).

Complexity that arises from simple rules is may he easier to program than the complex behavior directly, but I think you're on to something about those games being popular with people who program.

(Also, since I'm suspicious about the placement of stories about games going viral, I kind of enjoy the conceit of a narrative that the virality of these games is less organic. Is it really because they are derivative, or because trusted sources are saying they are knockoffs rather than, "You should try this!")

[oneeyedpigeon]

'Move numbered tiles around a tiny 2-dimensional grid, combining same-numbered tiles to create higher-numbered tiles in their place. New tiles spawn each time you make a move, and the game continues until the board is completely full and you can't make a further move. Score points for higher-numbered tiles.' There are nuances, but that pretty much sums up most of the gameplay of Threes and the 2048 clones; I don't know how you can claim, with a straight face, that the latter are not clones of the former. Even if some ancient prior art surfaces, the timing and the direct references in app descriptions pretty much guarantees this.

[protomyth]

By your definition and not being allowed to use "ancient prior art" then yes it is a clone but so is Sonic the Hedgehog. I felt it plays much different.