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Introduction: Why Human Desires Shape Game Success
Behind every successful game lies an understanding of fundamental human desires. Whether it’s the thrill of competition (League of Legends), the satisfaction of creativity (Minecraft), or the joy of exploration (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild), the games we love resonate with the needs that drive us as humans.
For game planners, understanding and designing around these desires isn’t just a bonus—it’s the foundation of creating a game that keeps players engaged. This article will delve into how to identify key human desires and translate them into actionable design strategies for your game.
The Core Human Desires in Games
Before diving into design strategies, let’s identify the core human desires that games often tap into:
- Achievement
Players seek a sense of accomplishment, whether through leveling up, earning rare items, or completing difficult challenges. - Connection
Humans are social creatures. Games that foster collaboration, competition, or shared experiences appeal to this need. - Exploration
Curiosity drives players to uncover secrets, explore vast worlds, and piece together lore. - Creativity
Players enjoy expressing themselves through customization, building, or problem-solving. - Power and Control
Games offer players a sense of control over a world or narrative, fulfilling the desire for agency.
How to Design Around These Desires
1. Achievement: Making Success Tangible
Strategies:
- Progression Systems: Implement leveling systems, skill trees, or milestone achievements that provide a clear sense of growth.
- Difficult But Fair Challenges: Ensure players feel their accomplishments are earned, not handed to them.
Example:
In Dark Souls, defeating a boss provides immense satisfaction because of the skill and persistence required. The game rewards mastery, not luck.
2. Connection: Building Social Bonds
Strategies:
- Collaborative Gameplay: Include mechanics that require players to work together, such as co-op missions or guild systems.
- Competitive Modes: Design PvP systems or leaderboards to satisfy competitive players.
Example:
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, visiting friends’ islands and trading items fosters connection, even in a non-competitive setting.
3. Exploration: Satisfying Curiosity
Strategies:
- Dynamic Worlds: Create environments that change based on player actions, encouraging replayability.
- Hidden Secrets: Place Easter eggs, lore fragments, or rare items in hard-to-find locations.
Example:
In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the lack of strict quest markers encourages players to explore at their own pace, uncovering surprises naturally.
4. Creativity: Empowering Player Expression
Strategies:
- Customization: Offer extensive character or world-building options, from visual designs to gameplay styles.
- Open-Ended Goals: Allow players to create their own stories within the game, like designing cities or solving puzzles their way.
Example:
Minecraft thrives because it empowers players to build, destroy, and explore however they choose, fostering limitless creativity.
5. Power and Control: Delivering Agency
Strategies:
- Choice-Driven Narratives: Include branching storylines or decisions that impact the game world.
- Sandbox Features: Provide tools that allow players to experiment and shape their experience.
Example:
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players make moral choices that affect the game’s narrative and NPC interactions, giving a strong sense of control.
Applying Human Desires in Real-Life Game Development
Case Study 1: Stardew Valley
This indie success story taps into multiple desires:
- Achievement: Farming and upgrading tools provide a clear sense of progression.
- Connection: Building relationships with NPCs fulfills the desire for social bonds.
- Creativity: Players can design their farms as they see fit.
Case Study 2: Fortnite
Fortnite leverages:
- Achievement: Weekly challenges and battle passes keep players striving for rewards.
- Connection: Squad-based gameplay and in-game events foster a strong community.
- Creativity: The Creative Mode allows players to build custom worlds.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Designing for Human Desires
While designing around human desires is powerful, missteps can lead to dissatisfaction:
- Over-Monetization
Over-reliance on microtransactions tied to core desires (e.g., achievement through pay-to-win) can alienate players. - Lack of Balance
Focusing too heavily on one desire may neglect others. For instance, a game that prioritizes achievement but ignores connection may feel isolating. - Repetition
Failing to introduce variety in progression systems or exploration can lead to player fatigue.
Conclusion: Designing Games That Truly Connect
Game planning is as much about understanding psychology as it is about mechanics. By tapping into the core human desires of achievement, connection, exploration, creativity, and control, you can create games that resonate deeply with players.
Remember, the best games don’t just entertain—they fulfill something deeper. Use these strategies to design games that players can’t put down and will remember long after the credits roll.
