3 ms·

Although there are compelling changes in the gaming ecosystem described in the article, there's a pet theory of mine I wish to forward: people can become resist

Although there are compelling changes in the gaming ecosystem described in the article, there's a pet theory of mine I wish to forward: people can become resistant to skinner box addiction. We get bored with just simple mechanics, eventually. I see this with my kids (all under 12), they crave more interesting gaming than they did a few years ago; they do still play skinner type games occasionally, but more often they are searching for higher quality content. This is cool! It makes me hopeful for gaming.

jlgreco 13y ago
On the other hand, if the endorphin hit is too big people can absolutely become hopelessly addicted to skinner boxes. Just look at the slot machines at any major casino. This I think is Zynga's real goal.
- bashinator 13y ago
  That would be why they're moving into actual gambling.
- dsl 13y ago
  Slot machines are a whole different beast. You are drawn in by the hope of winning big, and constantly fed small wins to convince you the big one is going to come up next. The lights and sounds are to distract you from the fact you are spending money.
jusben1369 13y ago
This only downside here is that your sample size is maturing and we'd expect them to crave more interesting, complex games. So not sure we can agree with your conclusion based on your data set. Not saying you're wrong......
- vanderZwan 13y ago
  "It's like testing with a moving target." (overheard in a recent interview with Alan Kay on testing out new interfaces with users, which is problematic because they get keep getting familiar with it! The remark was by the interviewer, actually)
- vessenes 13y ago
  True, except I have three ages to watch, and the craving is proceeding independent of age, and seems more correlated to experience. Plus, ahem, I also kicked a Mafia Wars addiction years ago that has left me totally disinterested in trying another variant. :)

jlgreco 13y ago

On the other hand, if the endorphin hit is too big people can absolutely become hopelessly addicted to skinner boxes. Just look at the slot machines at any major casino. This I think is Zynga's real goal.

bashinator 13y ago
That would be why they're moving into actual gambling.
dsl 13y ago
Slot machines are a whole different beast. You are drawn in by the hope of winning big, and constantly fed small wins to convince you the big one is going to come up next. The lights and sounds are to distract you from the fact you are spending money.

jusben1369 13y ago

This only downside here is that your sample size is maturing and we'd expect them to crave more interesting, complex games. So not sure we can agree with your conclusion based on your data set. Not saying you're wrong......

vanderZwan 13y ago
"It's like testing with a moving target." (overheard in a recent interview with Alan Kay on testing out new interfaces with users, which is problematic because they get keep getting familiar with it! The remark was by the interviewer, actually)
vessenes 13y ago
True, except I have three ages to watch, and the craving is proceeding independent of age, and seems more correlated to experience. Plus, ahem, I also kicked a Mafia Wars addiction years ago that has left me totally disinterested in trying another variant. :)