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Exploitative Patternsin Games

Retention mechanics

Also: engagement mechanics

Systems designed to bring players back and keep them playing; benign or harmful by dose and intent.

Streaks, timers, daily rewards, and appointment mechanics are ordinary engagement tools that industry treats as standard craft. They become harmful chiefly when combined with monetization, covert operation, or vulnerable targets — a clear case where context, not the mechanic, decides harm.

See also

References

  1. Lewis, C. (2014). Temporal dark patterns. Irresistible Apps: Motivational Design Patterns for Apps, Games, and Web-based Communities. Apress. doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-6422-4_9 · citing patterns
  2. Karlsen, F. (2021). Balancing ethics, art and economics: A qualitative analysis of game designer perspectives on monetisation. Games and Culture. doi.org/10.1177/15554120211049579 · citing patterns