Every successful video game was able to captivate and hold players' attention — think Minecraft and Tekken 8. Game designers should know why players keep returning to a game, and what draws them back every time.
As a designer, you must consider the features that will pull players in, and also keep them for a long time. This article will discuss how to design a game that hooks players, and tips into the psychological triggers that make these features effective.
Progression Systems and Rewards
Progression systems, like leveling up and earning achievements are psychological gifts. Players are more likely to continue playing when they feel rewarded for their actions— more like a gift someone gets for doing a job well done, it makes them want to do more. Designers can get players to engage with their games more if the rewards they offer are meaningful and varied.
Narrative Storytelling
Just like a reader would enjoy a novel with a great storyline, a compelling narrative keeps players invested in the game. Designers should create rich and layered stories with intriguing twists and characters that players can actually relate to. They can also use immersive storytelling to bring the environment into the game's narrative.
Through captivating visuals and interactions, the game's environment could also tell the story. An example is Her Story, which uses live-action video footage to reel its players in.
Challenge and Skill Development
Nobody wants to play the same thing over and over again— it's why games have difficulty levels and challenge progression. Make the next level more challenging than the last, so gamers can focus on building their skills. If all your game levels are too easy, players will get bored fast.
Social Interaction and Competition
Humans are social creatures, and games like League of Legends and Dota 2, that allow social interactions enjoy wide reception. Create a game with multiplayer nodes or cooperative gameplay that brings players together. If gamers find friends through your game, they'll probably keep playing that game together.
Personalization
Games, where players can personalize their experience or one where their decision shapes the narrative of the story, are top tier. Design games that lets players customize their own character, or with branching storylines. It gives players control over the game's outcome, and who doesn't love control?
Conclusion
Designers must understand the psychological factors that drive gaming engagement. The trick is to create games that keep players wondering and exploring. These five features will keep players hooked if done right.