How the Reward System Works in Games and Why It's Addictive

(source: Freepik)

On the surface, a game is nothing but harmless entertainment. It’s something to do when you feel bored and a way to pass the time while waiting to catch the bus. However, it is also a product of deliberate marketing by the game developers who understand the psychology behind games and incorporate features that make them so irresistible to players.

It’s no secret that games have a reward system built into them. Whether it’s an online game in a casino or a role-playing video game with friends, part of what makes these games so entertaining is that they leverage the brain’s built-in reward system to keep players wanting more.

Understanding the psychology behind this reward system helps developers build engaging games that keep players hooked. On the other hand, players can also learn how this reward system works in order to set healthy boundaries and play responsibly. In this post, we will explore how the reward system built into games works and why this can lead to gaming addiction.

The Dopamine Loop - Plugging Into the Brain’s Reward System

The brain has a natural reward system built into it, which forms a fundamental part of most behavior and habits. Each time an individual engages in an activity that the brain considers rewarding, a hormone known as dopamine is released. This hormone is a neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of pleasure in the brain.

The rush of pleasure you feel when you beat the boss or level up in a game is a result of this hormone. Each time you accomplish anything within the game, this “feel-good” hormone is released, and the accompanying feelings of pleasure and excitement motivate you to keep playing.

Why Is This Addictive?

For anyone asking questions like “how does gambling affect mental health?” This is the first place to look. Game developers understand the link between dopamine release and addiction and often leverage it to keep players engaged and entertained. By design, games are meant to reward your efforts. You start off playing at lower levels, then gradually level up with increasing complexity. The bigger the win feels after you complete a challenge, the more dopamine is released.

This chemical tells your brain that something important is happening, and your brain makes a mental note to remember it. This makes it more likely to repeat the activity over and over again without thinking about it. Some of the ways games consistently trigger dopamine release include:

• Unpredictable or variable rewards

• Micro achievements

• Continuous progress

• Layered objectives

• Visual progress bars or badges

• Flashing lights and celebration sounds to reward every achievement

Real World Rewards

The reward for gaming isn’t always virtual or mental. Some games (especially gambling games) offer real-world rewards. Beyond the entertainment factor, online casinos offer the promise of huge real money rewards that will give you several times your initial wager. It doesn’t matter that outcomes are random and don’t depend on your skill or experience. As long as there’s a promise of untold riches and bounty rewards, players are likely to return to play.

The promise of real rewards raises the stakes and makes gameplay more interesting for players. Playing for something definitely feels a lot better than playing for nothing. However, players must also be careful of the inherent risks of this approach.

The anticipation that getting “just one win” will get you back all the money you lost can be problematic. The correct attitude towards gambling games is to focus more on the entertainment factor rather than the promise of rewards. That way, you get to enjoy the game, and the money win is just an extra perk.

(source: Freepik)

Immersiveness as a Reward

Games are designed to offer some sort of escape from the real world. In a way, this is part of the game’s built-in reward system that can keep players engaged and interested. Modern video games (especially adventure and role-playing games) draw players into detailed and extremely captivating worlds. Players get to lose themselves in these rich, fantasy lands with 3D images, sound effects, and even vibrations.

It’s an interesting and rewarding experience that can draw players into prolonged gaming sessions. Whether you’re racing cars or saving a kingdom from trolls and monsters, the escapism offered by these games can be powerful and addictive. Some games also allow players to personalize their gaming experience with avatars and customized game environments. This can increase their level of emotional investment in the game.

It’s a temporary escape from the real world, which can be beneficial as long as it is done healthily without losing track of time or allowing it to get in the way of your relationship and responsibilities.

Social Interactions

The reward can also be in the form of social interactions. Games (especially online games) have a compelling social side to them. Multiplayer games, in particular, allow players to not just compete with others, but also cooperate and communicate with them within and outside the game.

It’s easy to drop the gaming console when it’s just you playing against the computer. Things get boring quickly, and there’s no incentive to continue. The experience is a lot more irresistible if there are other people on the other side of the screen. Rankings, tournaments, and other social elements can also influence players to invest several hours to make a name for themselves within the game.

As this guide shows, these reward systems help players enjoy their gaming sessions even more. However, there’s also an inherent risk of addiction. So, how do you know when you’re caught in the net of these reward systems? The table below summarizes some of the major signs of gambling addiction with examples:

Conclusion

For game development companies, the rewarding attributes of these games are the key to player retention and profitability. However, players have to pay attention to how these reward systems work and the ways they can get them hooked on the game. This will promote responsible gaming practices, preventing gambling addiction and all the problems associated with it.