Exploring the Psychology Behind Freemium Games and Gambling
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Freemium Model
Freemium games have gained notoriety for their uncanny resemblance to gambling strategies, employing psychological tactics to keep players engaged.
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Section 1.1: The Time Trap in Gaming
With the proliferation of social media, the sensation of 'losing track of time' has become commonplace. The gaming industry capitalizes on this phenomenon, as players often report immersion in games that alleviates feelings of boredom, stress, and guilt associated with time wastage.
The gaming sector has evolved into the largest entertainment industry globally, boasting over 2.3 billion gamers. In 2017, the U.S. gaming industry was valued at $18.4 billion, with projections estimating revenues to reach $230 billion by 2022.
Section 1.2: The Shift to Freemium
Once reliant on one-time sales of physical game copies, the market has transformed into a thriving ecosystem based on the freemium model, a blend of “free” and “premium.” This approach is particularly prevalent among internet startups and mobile app developers.
Ramin Shokrizade, an Australian neuroeconomist specializing in video games, states, “The loss of time transcends mere minutes. For instance, if my hour spent writing vanishes, the emotional toll is greater than just the time lost.” He draws parallels to games like Puzzle & Dragons, where this phenomenon drives players to spend money without realizing it. Developers cleverly utilize in-game currency to create a false sense of security, masking the reality of spending real money.
Section 1.3: Criticism of the Freemium Model
Freemium games face criticism for fostering excessive spending. While these games are free to access, they bombard players with in-game purchases. The term "Pay-to-Win" has emerged, highlighting how financial investment often supersedes skill in determining success.
In 2011, Capcom launched Smurfs’ Village, a free game tied to a film release, which quickly became the top app on the Apple iOS App Store. The game utilized in-game currency for routine purchases while withholding exciting updates for real money transactions. This led to significant expenditures by children, prompting a class action lawsuit against Apple over what parents termed “bait apps.”
Chapter 2: Psychological Manipulation in Gaming
The first video titled How Free Games Exploit Our Minds | The Psychology Of The Freemium Economy delves into how gaming mechanics manipulate player psychology, revealing the strategies that keep players hooked on free-to-play games.
The second video, The Psychology of Freemium, further examines the psychological tactics employed in freemium models, providing insights into their impact on player behavior.
Section 2.1: Casino Techniques in Gaming
Developers of freemium games adopt strategies similar to those found in casinos. Both environments aim to put players in a trance-like state, devoid of time awareness, encouraging continuous play. Just as casinos offer loyalty perks, freemium games employ daily bonuses, quests, and other incentives to draw players back.
Section 2.2: The Reward System
The underlying principle of both freemium games and gambling is the exploitation of the brain's reward system. The anticipation of rewards triggers dopamine release, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation. This surge reinforces risk-taking behaviors, making it crucial for players to be aware of the psychological design behind these games.
Before diving into a new game, it's vital to consider how freemium models manipulate psychological responses, often prioritizing profit over providing players with an enriching gaming experience.