How to make an ADDICTIVE game?

Summary

This video delves into the psychology behind game addiction, exploring how game developers manipulate dopamine levels to keep players engaged. It discusses the progression systems, competition, exploration, storytelling, positive reinforcement, and random rewards as key elements that boost player motivation. The video also touches on the importance of learning curves and the strategic use of waiting times to maintain player interest without leading to frustration or addiction.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Video games can be highly addictive due to their ability to trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, providing a sense of pleasure and motivation to continue playing.
• 📈 The progression system in games, such as leveling up and unlocking new abilities, is designed to give players an instant dopamine boost, making the game more engaging.
• 🧠 As players advance in games like World of Warcraft, the increased difficulty and less frequent rewards are intentional to maintain long-term engagement and strategic planning.
• 🏆 Competition is a key aspect of gaming that drives players to spend extensive time trying to beat their own scores or outperform others on leaderboards.
• 🌟 The exploration of new worlds and immersive stories in games contributes to the enjoyment and can lead to players spending hours just to uncover the narrative.
• 🎁 Positive reinforcement through rewards is a common tactic used in games to encourage players to overcome challenges and continue playing.
• 🎰 Random rewards provide an unexpected dopamine boost, making them more exciting and addictive than predictable rewards.
• 📦 Anticipation of rewards, such as opening loot boxes, can increase the dopamine boost players receive, making the reward more desirable.
• 🧠 Learning and mastering game mechanics is a natural human inclination that games like Super Hot or Elden Ring capitalize on to keep players engaged.
• 🛑 Intentionally forcing players to take breaks through mechanisms like energy systems can help prevent addiction and maintain a healthy gaming experience.

Q & A

What is the primary reason behind players becoming addicted to games?

The primary reason behind players becoming addicted to games is the release of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and motivation to repeat the behavior.

How does a progression system in games contribute to dopamine release?

A progression system in games contributes to dopamine release by providing instant boosts through leveling up, unlocking new abilities, and introducing players to the pleasure of playing the game.

Why do players find long-term strategic planning in games engaging?

Players find long-term strategic planning in games engaging because it adds depth to the gameplay, requiring them to think and plan their strategies, which can extend their engagement with the game.

How does competition in games drive players to spend more time playing?

Competition in games drives players to spend more time playing by offering the thrill of beating others, whether it's friends, strangers, or their own previous scores, which can lead to hours, days, or even months of gameplay.

What role do random rewards play in enhancing player engagement?

Random rewards play a significant role in enhancing player engagement by providing unexpected dopamine boosts, which keep the brain engaged and motivated due to the element of surprise and the unpredictability of the rewards.

Why do game developers create anticipation for rewards?

Game developers create anticipation for rewards to make them more desirable, which in turn gives a bigger dopamine boost when the reward is finally received.

How does the learning process in games contribute to player enjoyment?

The learning process in games contributes to player enjoyment by providing a gradual learning curve where players start as beginners and gradually master the game mechanics, which is satisfying and enjoyable.

What is the purpose of intentionally forcing players to take breaks in games?

The purpose of intentionally forcing players to take breaks in games is to prevent them from reaching the third phase of addiction, where the game no longer brings pleasure but the player is unable to stop playing.

Why are stories and worlds in games important for player engagement?

Stories and worlds in games are important for player engagement because they provide a sense of discovery and immersion, making the gameplay experience more compelling and enjoyable.

How does the speaker plan to apply the knowledge from the script in their own game development?

The speaker plans to apply the knowledge from the script by attempting to make their first game that is fun and engaging, taking into account the aspects that boost dopamine levels and keep players interested.