You’ve done well! Here’s a badge! This kind of reward system is common in games. Feedback and reinforcement can produce learned behavior. This is called operant conditioning. However, sooner or later, extrinsic rewards time out and lose their power. Points for no value actually lower motivation.
So what is it that keeps players in the game?
- The player is the star!
- Success is clearly defined.
- Feedback is ongoing.
- People like to take a break, so plateaus are built in.
- Social engagement is ongoing.
- Games are fun.
- Competence and autonomy are recognized.
These are some of the main ideas that Kevin Werbach and Dany Hunter present in their book, For the Win.
