Posted: January 9th, 2023

Game Reward Systems

Game Reward Systems.
Game reward systems are a key aspect of game design, as they provide players with a sense of accomplishment and drive them to continue playing. These systems can take many forms, such as points, achievements, or in-game items, and can be used to encourage certain behaviors or motivate players to reach specific goals.
Game reward systems often utilize the concept of “flow” to create immersive and engaging experiences for players. “Flow” is a psychological state in which a person is fully absorbed in an activity and feels a sense of control and focus. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi suggests that flow can be achieved when the challenges of an activity match the person’s skills and when there is clear feedback on their progress. Game designers can use this understanding of flow to design reward systems that keep players motivated and engaged.
Game designers can use various techniques to create flow in their games, such as providing clear goals and challenges, and offering immediate feedback on progress. Rewards can also play a role in creating flow, as they provide players with a sense of accomplishment and a motivation to continue playing.
Another important theory in game reward systems is the concept of “variable ratio reinforcement.” This refers to the idea that rewards should be given out at unpredictable intervals in order to keep players engaged. If rewards are given out too frequently, players may become less motivated to continue playing, as they do not feel a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, if rewards are given out too infrequently, players may become frustrated and lose interest in the game. By carefully balancing the frequency of rewards, game designers can keep players engaged and motivated to continue playing.
One example of a game that uses rewards to create flow and maintain player engagement is the popular mobile game “Candy Crush.” In this game, players are presented with a series of challenging puzzles that they must solve by matching colored candies. As players progress through the levels, they are rewarded with points, special power-ups, and other in-game items. These rewards are given out at unpredictable intervals, which helps to keep players engaged and motivated to continue playing.
Another example of a game that uses rewards to encourage certain behaviors is the online role-playing game “World of Warcraft.” In this game, players are rewarded with points, items, and other in-game currency for completing quests, defeating enemies, and engaging in other activities. These rewards serve to motivate players to explore the game world, complete challenges, and engage with other players.
Game reward systems are an important aspect of game design, as they provide players with a sense of accomplishment and drive them to continue playing. By using techniques such as flow and variable ratio reinforcement, game designers can create engaging and enjoyable experiences for players.