The growth of video game development and technology has evolved play from simple pixelated activity to complex games that are capable of keeping players occupied for hours. This level of immersion is made possible by an advanced system of rewards that is able to keep the players engaged.
The Psychology Behind Gaming Rewards
Rewards in video games are designed to be instantly gratifying. As an example, killing a boss, completing a task, or locating a secret item will activate the release of the dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Game designers set out to achieve this response through the use of psychology by knowing they can create something termed as a “reward loop” and motivates a player to continue playing.
This reaction in the human body is powerful. Rewards that are unexpected can trigger two times greater dopamine release than those that are anticipated. The surprise of being rewarded unexpectedly is why finding a rare item can often be more satisfying than grinding for a reward, in which case an item was guaranteed. Game developers have become more skilled at using this response from players. The most successful titles give out rewards using variable schedules that implement both prediction and surprises.
However, there is a reward that both enhances the dopamine response, and reduces it, which is: friction. When the reward becomes challenging to utilize or obtain, players become frustrated as they no longer feel the associated pleasure.
Rewards That Have No Friction
Rewards without obstacles are those that do not have unnecessary restrictions attached to them. Frictionless rewards have the following characteristics:
- No Delay: The reward is granted immediately after the action is performed, and no time is wasted.
- Simplicity: Players understand the given reward and the reasoning behind it clearly.
- Value: The reward clearly holds value in the game.
- Straightforward: The steps to obtain the reward are simple and can be done with ease.
Think about the variation between two fictional loot systems. In the first one, you acquire a new item each time you defeat an enemy and you can use the item right then. In the second system, you need to earn tokens and then each token needs to be exchanged for a random reward box. Once you have the box, there are additional steps needed to unlock it. While both systems reward the player, the second version adds multiple delayed gratification points that make the reward less enjoyable.
This example is more practical than theoretical. From industry analysis, games that use a frictionless reward system maintain users for approximately 34% longer than other games that differ in frictional systems.
The Effect of Frictionless Rewards
Easier rewards not only seem better but also change how truly engaged players are with the game. When the rewards are simple and highly predictable, players who have already conquered the challenges have no other incentive besides stronger motivation to do so.
This phenomenon extends beyond traditional video games. The same psychological principles apply to many entertainment platforms that incorporate reward systems. For instance, certain online gaming platforms have mastered the art of frictionless incentives through generous promotional offers. A 400% casino bonus represents this philosophy perfectly—providing players with a substantial boost to their initial deposit, creating an immediate sense of value and opportunity without complex qualifying conditions.
By removing the obstacles created by game designers and the game itself, players have a more enjoyable experience. They are more likely to be engaged in the game for longer periods of time. Those who are provided with instant gratification are around 27% more likely to keep playing the game during the same session and about 42% more likely to play it again within twenty-four hours.
Successful Incorporation in Notable Games
Some renowned games have perfected the concept of rewarding players without any obstructions:
In Fortnite, players have received remarkable monetary rewards of more than $9 billion since the game’s inception. This has been made possible because, in addition to the countless other features, the Battle Pass system rewards players who achieve milestones within the game and grants visuals of what new milestones they can unlock in the game and what they can earn next.
The powerful resource collection feature of Animal Crossing: New Horizons allowed over 40 million purchases world wide, as it facilitated the players by providing them materials that can be used in crafting and enabling frictionless design aiding crafting in the game.
The match leveling feature in Candy Crush serves as a cornerstone feature of the game, which facilitates players by resolving matches visually and auditors with the revenue leveling of over a billion dollars per year for nearly a decade and aiding in the simple audible progress of completed levels.
All these examples support the fact that smoother rewards will always be appreciated, regardless of the genre of the game or platform, from high-paced action to simple mobile games.
Conclusion
The best gaming experiences have rewards, but not just any kind of rewards. Those are immediate, natural, and satisfying. Despite the constant evolution of games, reward delivery will always remain critical to how much a player is engaged and enjoying the game.
For game developers, the lesson is clear: eliminate all barriers in regard to your reward systems as much as possible. Allow players to feel accomplished without having them go through unnecessary hoops. The most loyal players are the ones who achieve success over and over again, not those who are willing to deal with anger-inducing gamer annoyances.
This information can help gamers understand which games are designed to be more respectful of their time while seemingly more enjoyable. Next time around, when you are completely engrossed in a game, take a minute to think about how the reward system of the game is rewarding you in the most effortless and frictionless way possible.
