RE: App Store games
November 10, 2014 at 7:41 am
(This post was last modified: November 10, 2014 at 7:48 am by Drich.)
(November 7, 2014 at 7:19 am)Aractus Wrote: Those "games", as a recent episode of South Park rightly pointed out, are a complete scam that work on the principle of operant conditioning to addict its users to spending, much in the way EGMs (electronic gaming machines) do. Under no circumstances, whatsoever, should you let children play them.
They are a great tool. They teach self control and patience. Because in the end it is possible to be on the same level as one who spends money, it just takes a lot longer. That is why I have a few of them going. Once I hit a week long level up in one game I move to the next.
(November 7, 2014 at 7:38 am)Aractus Wrote: I didn't get my information from South Park, I just pointed out they did an episode on it.
It's operant conditioning plain and simple look it up. They games are designed on exactly the same principle that EGMs are. They're not based on skill or ability like say a regular arcade machine game, where it is possible for a skilled player to complete the game from start to finish without ever entering more credits. With apple store games, the game's progress is limited by how much you are willing to spend to advance your position, and a player that spends more money will always advance further that someone who doesn't. Just like EGMs reinforce the player whenever they have a "win", apple games also reinforce the player at irregular intervals as such to get the player hooked.
I am a top ten player in both of my guilds/squad, and I haven't spent anything. I've watched commercials and order my Mother's Day flowers through the game rather than some random online source... But again haven't spent any money. Just time. 5 to 15 mins aday for two years will buy anyone the same experience in the game as anyone who pays as they go..
The only difference is those who pay get board when they hit the max level and quit. Those who don't tend to stick around for the various up grades they make.
These are a great tool to teach your kids a life lesson in a fun way, but poor baby sitters. (They will not occupy large blocks of time without costing you money.)
