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Loot Theory In Modern Games

Posted by Soulskill on from the where's-my-+1-rocket-launcher-in-quake dept.

HDRL is running an analysis of loot systems in modern games. They talk about how in-game rewards, formerly the domain of RPGs and adventure games with powerups, have expanded to exist in every genre, as achievements and unlockable bonuses have become standard fare. "For the majority of gamers, once the novelty is gone, they move on. To keep players interested, rewards are required. ... The Diablo series is a perfect example of the theory in effect. Just as in the story of the donkey and the carrot, a game's rewards cannot be too frequent, nor can it be too infrequent. If rewards are too frequent, they lose value in the eyes of the player, and they lose interest. If the rewards are too infrequent, the player loses sight of the carrot, and likely loses motivation to keep playing."

2 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Pussy Nazi Sez by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    No pussy for YOU!

  2. Re:WoW pretty much perfected it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    You Americans really should try visiting any other first-world country some time.

    Hint: your gas prices are cheap.