I think the reward systems have evolved differently than the gameplay systems. The reward systems are addictive but the gameplay has improved in a way that I th

I think the reward systems have evolved differently than the gameplay systems. The reward systems are addictive but the gameplay has improved in a way that I think is more cognitively demanding. Puzzle games can be more creative with their puzzles, FPS games can add elements like a compass and ping systems, RPGs have these amazingly well written and told stories. Games these days definitely have the same sense of challenge (if not more, looking at you Soulslikes), even if losing still gets you a loot box. There was an interesting study done on children that talks about rewarding them for activities they like [1], and how it makes them start to dislike them which. It’s old (1973) but I’ve noticed some of the fatigue myself in the MMOs I play. [1]: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281453299_Undermining_Children%27s_Intrinsic_Interest_with_Extrinsic_Reward_A_Test_of_the_Overjustification_Hypothesis https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281453299_Undermini...