Day/night cycle

A day/night cycle is exactly what it sounds like.

The period of the cycle is usually significantly compressed relative to real-world time – for example, one minute of real-world time might equal one hour of in-game time.

The cycle may be purely cosmetic (e.g., affecting only lighting and ambient sounds), or it may have an impact on the gameplay. One common technique is for more numerous (or more dangerous) enemies to spawn at night.

Season cycle is a related mechanic.

Examples

 * 7 Days to Die
 * Don't Starve
 * The Elder Scrolls series
 * Gnomoria
 * Minecraft