GAMEDESIGN
Game Design’s Evolutionary Path in the Last Three Decades
Game Design: From Passion to Psychological Manipulation
In the early days of video games, game design was something that people did out of passion. Game developers created games that they wanted to play themselves, and the possibilities were endless. However, as the gaming industry has grown, the role of the game designer has evolved into something more complex.
Today, game designers in companies are not just creating games to entertain people. They are also tasked with implementing certain psychological features that cause addiction in the human brain. This includes fast feedback, fast rewarding, and the continuous pursuit of perfection in an environement that doesn’t allow it, to a near-impossible ability to complete something – what is known as the endless “grind”. Triggering mechanisms in the human brain such as “collect”, “hunt”, “combine”, and other similar actions are also used to keep players engaged.
The rise of psychological manipulation in game design can be traced back to the advent of mobile gaming. As smartphones became more prevalent, game designers realized that they could create games that people could play anytime, anywhere. This led to the development of games that were designed to be played in short bursts, with addictive mechanics that kept players coming back for more.
Today, many of the most popular games on the market use these addictive mechanics to keep players engaged. For example, games like Candy Crush and Clash of Clans use a “pay-to-win” model, where players are encouraged to spend real money to speed up their progress in the game. Other games, such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, use a “battle pass” system, where players are incentivized to play the game every day to earn rewards.
While these addictive mechanics may be good for business, they have also been criticized for their negative impact on players. Some argue that these games are designed to be so addictive that they can become harmful to players, leading to addiction and even financial ruin in some cases.
Despite these criticisms, game design continues to evolve, and game designers are constantly finding new ways to keep players engaged. Whether it’s through addictive mechanics or other innovative features, the role of the game designer will continue to be an important one in the world of gaming.
As a game designer, it’s important to be aware of the psychological impact that your game may have on players. While it’s important to create a game that’s fun and engaging, it’s also important to consider the potential consequences of addictive mechanics and other psychological features. By striking a balance between fun and responsibility, game designers can create games that are enjoyable for players while also being mindful of their impact on society.