Available for PC, iOS, and Android, Desert Golfing is exactly what it says on the tin, and nothing more. The game features a ball, a hole, and procedurally generated desert land in between, with no par, club selection, music, items, pause menu, restarts, or avatar. Players only need to drag a cursor back to determine the next shot’s angle and power in an attempt to get from A to B, with a new hole appearing each time they succeed. The game technically has an “ending,” but it’s rare for players to reach it due to the endless nature of the gameplay. Despite its simplicity, Desert Golfing offers a meditative experience that challenges the conventions of traditional mobile games. The shot counter is essentially meaningless, allowing players to focus on the simple pleasure of arcing a ball through the air. The game’s minimalism highlights the act of play over the rules of a game, creating a unique experience where even small additions like a well of water or a cactus feel significant.
