Puzzle games have been around for centuries, and with the advent of mobile technology, gaming has become a multi-billion dollar industry. One of the most popular genres of all time is the mobile puzzle game, with titles like Candy Crush Saga, Bejeweled, and Tetris leading the way.
But mostly Candy Crush, right? The game's unprecedented popularity results in a catalog of over 10,000 levels. What is it about these games that makes them so addictive? The answer lies in the psychology behind them.
Flow
Flow is a state of mind that occurs when a person is fully immersed in an activity, and time seems to fly by. It is a state of complete focus and concentration, and it is a feeling that many people seek out in their lives.
Mobile puzzle games like Candy Crush are designed to create a state of flow in the player. The game is simple enough to understand quickly, but complex enough to keep the player engaged. The puzzles are challenging, but not so difficult that they become frustrating. The game also rewards the player for their efforts, with points, bonuses, and other incentives.
Variable Rewards
Have you ever been stuck on a level for weeks (and maybe even deleted the app) just to one day be granted more than enough luck and prizes to pass even the most "nightmarishly hard" round ten times over?
Variable rewards are rewards that are unpredictable in terms of when they will occur and how valuable they will be. This type of reward system is incredibly effective at keeping players engaged, as they are never quite sure when the next reward will come.
In Candy Crush, the variable rewards come in the form of bonus candy combinations, special power-ups, and other bonuses that appear randomly throughout the game. These rewards are designed to keep the player engaged and motivated to keep playing.
Social Proof
Finally, these games are incredibly social. Candy Crush, in particular, allows players to connect with their friends and compete against them for high scores. This social aspect of the game creates a sense of community and camaraderie among players, which can be incredibly motivating.
In conclusion, the psychology behind mobile puzzle games like Candy Crush is incredibly complex, but it boils down to a few key factors. These games are designed to create a state of flow in the player, offer variable rewards to keep them engaged, and provide a social aspect to create a sense of community. It is these factors that make games like Candy Crush so addictive and enjoyable for millions of players around the world.
