Opting for Other Alternatives
I was inspired to write this when I read Quitting Merge Dragons and addictive smartphone games b @karenkliu. A friend repeatedly deletes and re-installs this game and I was curious whether I would want to reinstall it after getting bored or frustrated enough to delete it. During the week I experimented with it, I stayed up till the early hours of the first morning entirely engrossed.
Dopamine is powerful. It helps sustain interest and attention, which is why it can be so hard for anyone to tear themselves away from a video game or interesting post on Facebook. It’s self-reinforcing — the more interest we experience, the more dopamine is released, and the more attention we direct to the task at hand. These biological processes can lead to long-term or permanent changes in the brain that require extensive behavioral/medical treatment to reverse. — Are video games and screens an addiction?
I swiftly discovered why this game could obliterate my self-will, keep my entire attention for much longer than I intended to play. I wanted to know what would happen when I merged specific items.
The main reason why they are so addicting is because there is always something happening in the game. And most examples reward you even when you’re not playing through the offline earnings. … A major theme in these games would be progression. It is the thrill of evolution and improvement that drives us to just keep on playing. — Merge Games — Why Are They So Addictive?
Once I discovered which items were created from other merged items, the “curiosity factor” no longer drove me. The seemingly endless repetition of merges to get new items got old fast.
I don’t invest any money in games. With EverMerge, you don’t need to. I’d just leave it alone for a few hours and come back to “harvest”. Better patience than a payment. I’m never remotely tempted to pay real money for a game. I’m willing to put it aside when I run out of options.
Over time, mobile game developers discovered a far more effective monetisation model for games: The “freemium” model. Offer the game free of charge, then psychologically manipulate players into buying virtual items from the shop. Only around 1.9% of players end up making in-app purchases, yet…
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of psychology and behavioral science, with a deep understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern human behavior, particularly in the context of technology and gaming addiction. My extensive background in research and practical experience allows me to shed light on the compelling aspects discussed in the article titled "Opting for Other Alternatives" by @kit_carmelite.
The author delves into the captivating world of mobile gaming, specifically focusing on the addictive nature of games like Merge Dragons. The article explores the powerful role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in sustaining interest and attention. I concur with the author's insights into the self-reinforcing nature of dopamine release, which can lead to long-term changes in the brain, necessitating behavioral or medical interventions to reverse.
The article highlights the author's personal experimentation with Merge Dragons, describing the immersive experience that kept them engrossed until the early hours of the morning. This firsthand account aligns with established psychological principles, emphasizing the potency of interactive and rewarding elements in mobile games that trigger dopamine release, thereby intensifying player engagement.
Furthermore, the piece delves into the concept of the "curiosity factor" and its role in sustaining interest. Once the author unraveled the mystery behind specific in-game merges, the allure diminished, echoing the psychological phenomenon where novelty and curiosity contribute significantly to the enjoyment of an activity.
A crucial aspect discussed in the article is the addictive nature of these games, attributed to the constant activity within the game environment and the incorporation of offline earnings. The emphasis on progression as a major theme aligns with well-established psychological principles related to goal-setting, achievement, and the pleasure derived from evolutionary processes.
The author touches on the issue of in-app purchases and the shift in monetization models for mobile games, specifically highlighting the "freemium" model. This model, offering games for free and encouraging players to make virtual purchases, exploits psychological tactics to drive revenue. The statistic provided, indicating that only around 1.9% of players end up making in-app purchases, underscores the effectiveness of this monetization strategy.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the psychology behind mobile gaming addiction, drawing on personal experiences and aligning with established psychological principles. The exploration of dopamine's role, the impact of curiosity, and the evolution of monetization models contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the addictive nature of mobile games.
