Bootlicker Game

A game of some sort (mostly mobile games) where there is little to no gameplay, and the only way to progress is to watch ads, buy things with real money, or spend hours of time doing nothing.

Usually- idle games, idle RPGs, idle tappers, gatcha games, autobattle games.

The only way to progress (and "progression" is the only payoff- no meaningful gameplay or other reward) is to metaphorically "lick the boot" of the company running it, and tribute your money, time, and attention to them.

This does not include games with similar mechanics, but meaningful gameplay to enjoy/participate with using meaningful skill or strategy, or mindless clicking but no need for watching ads or paying money to meaningfully progress or enjoy.

For example- Digimon Up is a prime example of a bootlicker game- you can technically proceed without watching ads or paying money- but not in any meaningful way, and with zero real gameplay- you simply watch ads and pay, or "play" (which requires doing almost nothing) obsessively to progress further, with the publisher pitting players against one another to FOMO them into watching ads and paying money- licking their boot. These games are always pay-to-win (even if just against other players) in some form or another.

Games made by companies you don't like, or with gameplay you don't like, which are nonetheless *actual* games are by definition NOT bootlicker games- even if you don't like them or their developer/publisher.

Don't play bootlicker games.

Don't play that, that's just a bootlicker game- there's no gameplay and you just watch ads and pay money to progress- don't bother. Play Star Fox instead.

Bootlicker Game by GotItMemorised July 20, 2026