5 ms·

>As a game designer, I find casino "games" frustrating It's funny -- I'm as vulnerable as anyone else to a million addictive game mechanics that build on the s

by KVFinn 10y ago

>As a game designer, I find casino "games" frustrating It's funny -- I'm as vulnerable as anyone else to a million addictive game mechanics that build on the same impulses that make gambling addictive. But actual real-life casino slot machines just don't work. I need to be like, evaluating the loot drop's fire resistance on a new helmet or whatever for it to be addictive. When you just push a button over and over again with no actual input it's just too obvious you are doing nothing.

jacobush 10y ago
Interesting angle. You need to have your thought processes distracted...
dagw 10y ago
Don't most slot machines these days come with a bunch of extra mini-games and side bets for just this reason. Admittedly I've only watched people play, but there seems to be a whole lot more going on than simply pressing a single button over and over
milesvp 10y ago
I'd bet you're under 35 ;) I've heard several reports that casinos can't get millenials to play slots, and I suspect it's because they're very unsophisticated compared to even the most basic video game.
- AlexDanger 10y ago
  That's interesting, do you work in the industry? Things have come full circle - slot machines paved the way for gamification techniques and IAP. Flashing lights, the sounds, the 'I almost won' near-misses from the big jackpot...all finely tuned to get that dopamine squirting and keep you on the machine. Very Pavlovian. Video games (IAP in particular) are just rehashing the psychological tricks that slot machines have used for decades. Its just the games are newer and offer a bit more depth. I'm sure in good time we'll see more advanced slot machines to entice the smartphone generation.
  - dagw 10y ago
    I'm sure in good time we'll see more advanced slot machines to entice the smartphone generation. Certainly here in Sweden they've short-circuited that entire process by making the slot machines into smartphone apps so that you can play whenever you want without even having to leave the comfort of your own home
- jbob2000 10y ago
  Under 35 casino-goer here. We go every couple months for the cheap booze, free non-alcoholic drinks, and live music. Our group all sits at one machine together and we take turns putting our $5 bills in. We just kinda drunkly chat while one person has a go at trying to win the cost of drinks back. It's pretty fun, cheaper than a bar and much more to do.

by KVFinn 10y ago

jacobush 10y ago

Interesting angle. You need to have your thought processes distracted...

dagw 10y ago

Don't most slot machines these days come with a bunch of extra mini-games and side bets for just this reason. Admittedly I've only watched people play, but there seems to be a whole lot more going on than simply pressing a single button over and over

milesvp 10y ago

I'd bet you're under 35 ;) I've heard several reports that casinos can't get millenials to play slots, and I suspect it's because they're very unsophisticated compared to even the most basic video game.

AlexDanger 10y ago
That's interesting, do you work in the industry? Things have come full circle - slot machines paved the way for gamification techniques and IAP. Flashing lights, the sounds, the 'I almost won' near-misses from the big jackpot...all finely tuned to get that dopamine squirting and keep you on the machine. Very Pavlovian. Video games (IAP in particular) are just rehashing the psychological tricks that slot machines have used for decades. Its just the games are newer and offer a bit more depth. I'm sure in good time we'll see more advanced slot machines to entice the smartphone generation.
- dagw 10y ago
  I'm sure in good time we'll see more advanced slot machines to entice the smartphone generation. Certainly here in Sweden they've short-circuited that entire process by making the slot machines into smartphone apps so that you can play whenever you want without even having to leave the comfort of your own home
jbob2000 10y ago
Under 35 casino-goer here. We go every couple months for the cheap booze, free non-alcoholic drinks, and live music. Our group all sits at one machine together and we take turns putting our $5 bills in. We just kinda drunkly chat while one person has a go at trying to win the cost of drinks back. It's pretty fun, cheaper than a bar and much more to do.