As the gaming industry grows more competitive, game developers need to come up with ways to improve player engagement and retention. The modern gamer is spoilt for choice with hundreds of titles to choose from. As such, making a difference requires more than just brilliant graphics and gameplay. Rewards and incentives, when used creatively, can be a great way to retain players. In this article, we will discuss how rewards are used as a strategic tool to improve player engagement.
Understanding Gaming Rewards
Players earn rewards and incentives when they complete a task or achieve a goal within a game. They enhance the overall gaming experience while fostering loyalty. Depending on the type of reward, players can feel a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Games can offer a variety of rewards to incentivise different player behaviors. From daily logins to achievement bonuses and loyalty points, there are several ways to boost player engagement.
Daily login bonuses or in-game currencies are some of the popular short-term rewards that incentivize player engagement. Unlocking a new character or special power, achieving a milestone, and leveling up are examples of long-term rewards that are more significant and encourage players to keep returning.
Rewards not only improve player engagement and retention, but they can also be a great way to bring new players to the game. Online casinos, in a bid to attract new customers, often rely on offering a no deposit bonus as a risk-free way for players to explore the games on their platform. Free spins on popular slot machines are another type of reward that is aimed at attracting new players to such gaming sites.
The Psychology Behind Rewards
Small, frequent wins, in the form of rewards such as power-ups, daily log-in bonuses, and in-game currency, can trigger a dopamine rush. This, in turn, will lead to the players coming back for more of that rush. Short-term rewards are aimed at offering instant gratification, of which the players can’t have enough, and will continue playing the game for long durations. This is a common tactic used in online slot machines that have a high engagement rate.
Many video games also employ what is called a variable reinforcement schedule to reward players in a way that further improves engagement. In a variable reinforcement schedule, the rewards are often triggered by an unpredictable action. Think of discovering a loot box after defeating a certain number of enemies. The unpredictability drives the players to continue playing more in hopes of the next big reward.
Impact on Player Retention
While uncertainty can keep players on the edge of their seats, wanting more rewards, consistent incentives help build habits. Loyalty programs are specifically designed with habit formation as their goal. Another popular reward system that has led to habit formation is a streak.
Streaks are a proven method to improve player retention and have been adopted by Snapchat, a popular messaging app. A reward for maintaining a streak of daily logins can motivate the player to keep coming back for more. We also find this model on various mobile casino platforms that offer bonuses to reward player loyalty.
Conclusion
Thoughtful reward systems are crucial to boosting engagement and retention in gaming. Psychology, not just entertainment, forms the core of a good game design. Developers must consider player behavior to create better reward systems with incentives that keep players hooked on to the game.
