100x gegen den gleichen Gegner kämpfen, ohne zu gewinnen? | Galileo | ProSieben

Summary

The transcript delves into the challenge of difficult video games, with a focus on FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. It explores the psychology behind why players continue to engage with frustratingly hard games, driven by intrinsic motivation (the desire for personal accomplishment) and extrinsic motivation (seeking recognition or social validation). The script highlights how these games balance frustration and satisfaction to keep players hooked, offering a rewarding sense of achievement upon mastering difficult mechanics. Ultimately, it discusses the varying motivations behind playing such games, from personal growth to external rewards.

Takeaways

• 😀 Video games can be extremely challenging, with players sometimes becoming frustrated to the point of damaging their controllers, yet they continue to play due to the motivation derived from overcoming these challenges.
• 😀 Challenging games have always existed, with arcade games being the foundation of the gaming industry. These games were designed to be hard enough to keep players coming back without overwhelming them.
• 😀 The high score-based gameplay of early console games, such as Super Mario, has its roots in arcade games, where the goal was to challenge players but not frustrate them beyond return.
• 😀 The question arises whether players should pay full price for a game they might not be able to finish, but some gamers enjoy the challenge even if it doesn't necessarily involve completing the game.
• 😀 FromSoftware, a renowned developer, is known for creating games with extremely high difficulty, including titles like Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring.
• 😀 Despite their cryptic storytelling and minimal hand-holding, players gravitate towards FromSoftware games not necessarily for the narrative, but for the immense challenge they offer.
• 😀 Intrinsic motivation drives players to tackle difficult games to prove to themselves that they can succeed, releasing dopamine as a reward for overcoming challenges.
• 😀 FromSoftware’s games are designed with difficulty in mind, ensuring that players face tough but fair challenges. This balance between frustration and reward is key to their appeal.
• 😀 Players start with limited understanding but gradually learn the game's mechanics, often failing repeatedly before achieving success. This process helps release dopamine and keeps them engaged.
• 😀 External motivation, such as social recognition or personal achievement (e.g., high YouTube views or impressing friends), also plays a role in motivating players to tackle difficult games or speedruns.
• 😀 Ultimately, whether players continue to engage with difficult games depends on their approach—whether they are willing to learn the mechanics and accept frustration, or if they prefer a more relaxing gaming experience.

Q & A

Why are video games, especially difficult ones, so appealing to players?

Video games, particularly challenging ones, are appealing because they trigger the release of dopamine, a 'feel-good' hormone, in the brain. This creates a sense of satisfaction and encourages players to continue playing in order to repeat the rewarding feeling of success.

What role do arcade games play in the history of video game difficulty?

Arcade games are the foundation of the video game industry, built on a profitable principle of being easy enough not to frustrate but hard enough to encourage players to continue inserting money into the machines. This principle influenced the design of early console games as well.

What is the main challenge in FromSoftware games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring?

The main challenge in FromSoftware games is the difficult gameplay, where players face complex bosses and must learn the mechanics and patterns of enemies. The difficulty is carefully designed to be tough but fair, requiring practice and mastery to overcome.

How does FromSoftware motivate players despite the difficulty?

FromSoftware motivates players by providing a sense of accomplishment through overcoming difficult challenges. Players gradually improve, learning the mechanics of the game with each attempt, and the satisfaction of success after repeated failure releases dopamine, making the process rewarding.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in gaming?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the player, where the enjoyment of the challenge itself drives them to play. In contrast, extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, such as social recognition or tangible rewards like high YouTube view counts or impressing friends.

Why do players keep retrying difficult bosses despite repeated failure?

Players keep retrying difficult bosses because they begin to understand the patterns and mechanics, making each attempt feel like a step toward mastery. The game's design ensures that progress is visible, which keeps players motivated to push forward despite failure.

How does FromSoftware's game design balance frustration and enjoyment?

FromSoftware's games strike a delicate balance between frustration and euphoria. The difficulty is intentionally set high, but it is not unfair. The reward of success is tied to the player's improvement, creating an emotional cycle of frustration followed by intense satisfaction.

What makes the gameplay in FromSoftware games feel fair despite the high difficulty?

The gameplay feels fair because FromSoftware designs their games with a clear set of rules that players can learn and master. While the challenge is steep, players are always given a chance to succeed through careful study of enemy patterns and perfecting their gameplay skills.

What is the significance of rhythm in games like Sekiro?

In games like Sekiro, combat is often compared to rhythm, where actions like dodging, parrying, and attacking are tied to timing. Understanding the rhythm of an enemy’s attacks and learning to react accordingly is key to success, adding an additional layer of challenge and satisfaction.

How does external motivation, like social recognition, affect gameplay?

External motivation, such as social recognition or achieving high scores in speedruns, can drive players to challenge themselves further. The desire to gain approval or impress others can make the experience more intense and rewarding, especially in the context of online gaming communities.