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The Skinner Box - How Games Condition People to Play More - Extra Credits

Extra Credits · explainer · Watch on YouTube

Game designPsychology & human behavior

What it is

An Extra Credits episode on how games use Skinner box operant conditioning and reward schedules to keep players playing and spending. It argues for more immersive design mechanics than simple reward loops.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN points to it as a short source on operant conditioning in games, loot boxes and engagement loops, with design alternatives.

  • 2 people recommended it
  • 2 different months
  • 0 strong recommendations
  • first 2015, last 2019

What HN commenters said

  1. “Extra Credits has a nice overview, which includes a few design suggestions”

    Overview of Skinner box mechanics in games with design alternatives

    pdkl95, 2015-09 · Recommendation · in “Playing video games can improve our lives”

  2. “Take a look at this video [1] for explanation, and possibly other Extra Credits videos if you're interested in game design.”

    Explanation of game reward mechanics, plus other Extra Credits videos

    glogla, 2017-09 · Recommendation · in “Parents Who Pay to Be Watched”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: skinner box, operant conditioning, game design, loot boxes, extra credits

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