Why Are iPhone Games So Addictive: Design and Behavior
Mobile games are notorious for their ability to capture the attention of players, and sometimes even become an addiction. This is primarily due to their clever design and strategic implementation of various mechanics that compel users to spend more time playing. In this article, we will explore why iPhone games are so captivating and the factors that contribute to their addictive nature.
Addictive By Design
There are a few systems and mechanics that both mobile games and increasingly, PC games, use to increase the compulsion to return to their games. For those susceptible to it, this can result in an addiction to the game, which is not necessarily healthy behavior. However, when these games supplement addiction with monetary purchases, it can significantly exacerbate the issue, especially on mobile platforms. This article delves into the design elements that contribute to this addictive behavior.
Multiplicative Effect
We are already conditioned to check our phones constantly and consistently. Whether you are waiting at a bus stop, standing in line, or cooking, your phone is always within reach. Regular social media and gaming use ensure that you receive notifications every waking minute unless you completely turn off your device. Mobile games like Angry Birds or Candy Crush have simply piggybacked on this universal addiction, making it even more convenient for them to attract a wider audience.
Timing Addiction to Form Habits
Many of today's big mobile games utilize time-based triggers to get you to return every 5, 10, or 30 minutes. Additionally, they have 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, and 24-hour check-in points, encouraging you to perform various beneficial tasks. The goal is to get you habituated to returning to the game on these time schedules, making it a standard part of your routine. For example, missing daily tasks could lead to a shortfall in accumulating resources such as experience, gold, hard currency, or play tokens.
Example: Clash Royale is a prime example of this. It has timers for opening chests at 3, 8, 12, and 24 hours, with an additional 24-hour daily crown chest that requires you to play a minimum of 4 games to unlock. The game also provides free daily gifts in the store, which incentivizes you to check the store in hopes of making a purchase and thus reinforcing the habit of daily return.
TLLDR
In conclusion, mobile games are simply capitalizing on an existing trait in order to habituate you to going back into the game. They are addictive because we are already addicted to our mobile phones. This article aims to help you understand the mechanics behind these games to ensure you maintain a healthy balance in your gaming habits and overall well-being.
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