Variable Rewards
Unpredictable or random rewards are more addictive than a predictable schedule.
Casinos know that slot machines are more addictive if they pay out a random reward at unpredictable times. If people always won back 80% of their money on each pull of the lever, it wouldn't be an exciting game and wouldn't be addictive. It's the unpredictable and random nature of the rewards that keeps people playing with the hope for that rare big jackpot.
A constant or predictable schedule of rewards is not very exciting. This is why games often randomize the rewards that you receive for finishing a level or defeating an enemy. By making the rewards like a slot machine, they are trying to make the game more additive. They may also be trying to extend gameplay by making you grind longer to get what you want. If you need a certain item, but it only appears as a reward 5% of the time, people will keep playing over and over with the hope of getting that rare item. If the game has limited energy and forces you to wait to play then people may end up paying money to skip the wait.
A constant or predictable schedule of rewards is not very exciting. This is why games often randomize the rewards that you receive for finishing a level or defeating an enemy. By making the rewards like a slot machine, they are trying to make the game more additive. They may also be trying to extend gameplay by making you grind longer to get what you want. If you need a certain item, but it only appears as a reward 5% of the time, people will keep playing over and over with the hope of getting that rare item. If the game has limited energy and forces you to wait to play then people may end up paying money to skip the wait.
Citations and Sources • Why are Video Games Addictive?
• Behavioral Game Design
• 5 Game Mechanics that Make Games Addicting
• Wikipedia :: Reinforcement
• Behavioral Game Design
• 5 Game Mechanics that Make Games Addicting
• Wikipedia :: Reinforcement
Examples
Stick War: Legacy"Random loot chests are obtained from getting 20 stars, which are earned after beating levels."
Dragon City Mobile"The game has several "gacha" mechanics, such as chests and wheels, which give completely random rewards, mostly skewing towards lackluster ones."
The Enchanted Cave 2"A dungeon crawler where loot is randomized to a degree and most loot is not retained between runs. This encourages doing repeated runs in pursuit of specific items rather than exiting the game."
IdleOn - Idle MMO"Impossible pull rates"
Figure Fantasy"Random rewards in form of time limited micro transactions discounts"
Mighty DOOM"When you complete a daily mission, you can see the possible pool of loot, but it is randomized within it."
Limbus Company"There are in-game chests that give a inconsistent number of specific valuable resources."
Merge Studio"The game will help you out a lot and making you feel good then the next time you have to pay to get that same reward"
Final Fantasy XV: War for Eos"Skirmishes and all radar objectives give random rewards"
Love Nikki-Dress UP Queen"item drops on levels are never guaranteed, requiring players to waste stamina on grinding"