How To Get Back Into A Game, According to Science

Summary

The script delves into the common gamer's struggle of leaving unfinished games behind, despite initial enjoyment. It explores psychological concepts like self-determination theory to understand the balance between challenge and reward in gaming. The speaker offers practical strategies such as keeping a gaming journal, seeking positive exposure, and the two-minute rule to overcome the reluctance to resume gaming. These tactics aim to rekindle motivation and re-engage players with their paused games, transforming gaming habits for a more fulfilling experience.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The script discusses the struggle of resuming video games that were left unfinished, despite initial enjoyment.
• 🧠 It delves into the cognitive aspects of gaming, explaining that video games are more than mere entertainment and involve a balance of challenge and reward for the brain.
• 📊 The concept of 'self-determination theory' is introduced, highlighting the psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and connectedness that games fulfill.
• 📝 The 'Quest log' is used as an example of a game design element that leverages the need for competence and provides a sense of progress.
• 🛑 The script identifies 'interruption events' as a key factor that can break the habit of playing a game, leading to disengagement.
• 🧠 It explains that the loss of competence due to long breaks can create a resistance to re-engage with a game, as the brain tries to avoid the effort of regaining mastery.
• 💡 The video suggests practical strategies to counteract this reluctance, such as keeping a gaming journal to bridge memory gaps and maintain progress.
• 📹 Another strategy mentioned is seeking positive exposure related to the game, which can reignite motivation and excitement.
• ⏰ The 'two-minute rule' is presented as a simple yet effective technique to overcome the initial barrier of starting a game again.
• 🔄 The combination of these strategies is recommended for the best results, as they work together to re-engage players with their previously unfinished games.
• 🔄 The script concludes by emphasizing that these strategies are not just theoretical but practical steps that can transform gaming habits.

Q & A

Why might it be difficult to return to playing a game that was previously enjoyable?

The difficulty in returning to a game can stem from various factors, including life commitments, distractions, and the interruption of established gaming habits. When a habit is broken, such as by starting a new game or being away for a long time, the sense of competence and familiarity with the game can diminish, making it harder to pick up where one left off.

What is the psychological framework that suggests humans have an intrinsic motivation to fulfill three critical psychological needs?

Self-Determination Theory is the psychological framework that suggests humans have an intrinsic motivation to fulfill three critical psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and connectedness.

How does the quest log mechanic in games relate to the psychological need for competence?

The quest log in games serves as a visual representation of progress and accomplishments, satisfying the psychological need for competence. As players complete quests, the log shrinks, providing a sense of achievement and progress.

What is the impact of taking a long break from a game on a player's sense of competence?

Taking a long break from a game can lead to a loss of competence as the knowledge and skills associated with the game fade from active memory. This can create a resistance to returning to the game due to the perceived effort required to regain mastery.

How can the two-minute rule help in overcoming the reluctance to start playing a game again?

The two-minute rule reduces the mental barrier to entry by committing to only two minutes of gameplay. This minimal commitment can help overcome the initial reluctance and inertia, often leading to continued play beyond the initial two minutes.

What is the purpose of keeping a gaming journal, and how can it help in resuming a game?

A gaming journal serves to document what a player has accomplished and what they intend to do next. It helps fill in memory gaps formed during a break from the game, providing context and goals that can ease the process of re-engaging with the game.

How can seeking positive exposure related to a game help in reigniting the motivation to play it?

Positive exposure, such as watching gameplay videos, reading reviews, or engaging with the game's community, can remind players of the enjoyable aspects of the game and stimulate interest, making it easier to return to the game.

What is the significance of the Great Plateau in 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' in terms of player motivation?

The Great Plateau serves as a giant tutorial zone in 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild', introducing players to Link's abilities and providing opportunities to practice. This initial experience satisfies the psychological needs for competence and autonomy, building motivation to explore the open world.

How does the modern gaming landscape contribute to the challenge of focusing on a single game to completion?

The modern gaming landscape, with its abundance of choices and the continuous release of new games, can lead to distractions and a tendency to switch between games, making it difficult to maintain focus on a single game until completion.

What is the concept of sunk cost in the context of gaming, and how does it relate to the decision to stop playing a game?

The concept of sunk cost refers to the perception of the time and effort already invested in a game as irretrievable. When players consider this investment a loss and choose to move on to a new game, they are employing a loss aversion strategy to avoid the potential frustration of relearning and regaining competence in the original game.

What strategies can be combined for the most effective approach to getting back into a game after a long break?

Combining the two-minute rule to overcome initial reluctance, maintaining a gaming journal to keep track of progress and goals, and seeking regular positive exposure to the game can create a comprehensive approach that helps players re-engage with a game after a break.