We can break addiction down into two categories, one where someone is addicted to a certain substance, usually because the body is used to having it in the body and “can’t live without it”. For example, cigarettes.
However, we can also get addicted without it being a substance, addicted to a certain routine, certain activities. Some say that these things also cause substances (endorphins) to be released which is why we get addicted to them.
In games development, and especially looking at the success of World of Warcraft, it is important to think about addiction as well, because a game that someone is addicted to is more “successful” I believe. In terms of monetary success, it is obvious, but also a game you are addicted to it more enjoyable as well.
I have spent quite a while now researching motivation and addiction in games, and I have found some interesting things.
The primary thing people get addicted to in games is repetitive action combined with reward. Just like killing rats in dungeons. The way to get someone hooked to games is for it to have some sort of repetition in it, that you receive rewards for. Thinking about cigarettes, many people say they are just as addicted to the motion as they are to the substance. The substance is the reward, the motion is the addiction.
One of the best ways to get players to come back, and to get them addicted to games, is to have some repetition somewhere in the game, and give players rewards for it.
oh this is very true.
i have spent weeks , months trying to code in methods where a challenge is kinda of addictive to keep them comming back lol