Tom Chatfield: 7 ways games reward the brain

TED on games yet again. It seems to be a topic that's gaining momentum as the worldwide profits in the gaming industry keep climbing without any signs of slowing down. Tom shares his view on how game designers tweak their creations so that the players spend more and more time playing.

I cannot comment the following seven point at this time. I have a feeling of where and how they could be implemented into Plus1living, however I also have a feeling where they would be working against the Self Determination Theory. What I mean by that is that Tom seems to concentrate a lot on how to motivate people from the outside in, but there isn't a lot in terms of evoking interest in the underlying activity.

Here are the 7 ways games reward the brain (with a drug - dopamine):

1. Experience bars measuring progress
2. Multiple long and short term gains
3. Rewards for effort
4. Rapid, frequent, clear feedback
5. An element of uncertainty
6. Windows of enhanced attention
7. Other people

Watch the vid for details on the above list