Developing interactivity is effort and an investment. Most developers put up a simple loading screen, maybe some text like rotating tips, and a loading indicator. Until 2015 a patent on interactive loading screens may have made developers and publishers cautious and decide against developing interactivity.
High Hell, released in 2017, features fast gameplay, short levels, and interactive loading screens. (Linked Clip) (High Hell Steam page)
What’s the best kind of loading screen? Do you have examples of good or bad interactive loading screens?
The Sims 3 had interactive loading screens prior to 2015 when one of the first DLCs introduced them. They’re just “find the object” puzzles that earn you in-game points for the family you’re loading. They’re the only non-Namco game interactive loading screens I can think of that were around before the patent expired.
The first one I saw was by the patent holder, Namco, where you could play Galaga while Ridge Racer loaded. I always wanted to see it used more and was stoked when I read the news about the patent expiring.