When the players are motivated by the outcome of an activity, rather than the activity itself, we call them extrinsically motivated. Extrinsic motivation is often directly manipulated by what is called progression mechanics.

Progression mechanics manages and motivates players’ progression in games. They can include experience points, achievements, leaderboards, etc. that serve as extrinsic goals for players. These extrinsic mechanics are commonly used in game to support the ever changing intrinsic motivation.

Thus, it is important to note that sole extrinsic mechanics are not enough to motivate players. The activity itself has to be enjoyable.

Now we know we need to provide the players with some extrinsic mechanics, we also need to consider: What is the Reward that the players most desire? When to reward them? And how?

Reward Schedule is how game designers answer those questions.

Reward Schedules

Reward schedule is a crucial element in game design, as it determines how players are motivated to continue playing the game. A Reward Schedule refers to the frequency and predictability of rewards that a player receives while playing a game.

Types of Reward Schedules

There are various types of reward schedules used in game design, including:

Continous Schedule

The game rewards the players for each action directly. This is commonly used to motivate players to perform actions and engage in the games.

Fixed Interval Schedule

This is where a reward is given after a fixed amount of time has elapsed. For example, a player may receive a reward every 10 minutes of gameplay. While this schedule ensured that players would come back to the game regularly, the rewards might not be desirable for the players to be worth the wait. This might make the game feel repetitive and predictable, and players eventually lose interest.

Variable Interval Schedule

This is where a reward is given after a variable amount of time has elapsed. For example, a player may receive a reward after 5 minutes of gameplay, then after 20 minutes, then after 10 minutes.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

This is where a reward is given after a fixed number of actions have been completed. For example, a player may receive a reward after completing every 5 levels. Players might enjoy this schedule since it motivates them to keep playing until they reach the goal. However, sometimes, it might make players getting bored with the game after completing the required tasks.

Variable Ratio Schedule

This is where a reward is given after a variable number of actions have been completed. For example, a player may receive a reward after completing 3 levels, then after 10 levels, then after 2 levels. This might kept players motivated to play since they never knew when they would receive the next reward.

Examples

World of Warcraft

In the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft, players are rewarded with experience points and loot for completing quests and defeating enemies. The game uses a variable ratio schedule, where players receive rewards after a random number of actions. This keeps players engaged and motivated to continue playing as they are never quite sure when the next reward will appear.

Example 2: Candy Crush

Candy Crush is a mobile puzzle game that uses a fixed ratio schedule, where players receive rewards after completing a certain number of levels. This creates a sense of progression and achievement as players work towards their next reward.

Example 3: Fortnite

In the popular battle royale game Fortnite, players are rewarded with cosmetic items like skins and emotes for reaching certain levels and completing challenges. The game uses a variable interval schedule, where rewards are given out at random intervals of time. This keeps players engaged and motivated to keep playing as they never know when the next reward will show up.

Importance of Reward Schedule in Game Design

Reward schedules are important in game design because they can affect player motivation and engagement. A poorly designed reward schedule can lead to players losing interest in the game, while a well-designed reward schedule can keep players engaged for longer periods of time.

A reward schedule that is too predictable may become boring for players, while a reward schedule that is too unpredictable may frustrate players. The key is to find the right balance between predictability and unpredictability to keep players motivated.

Reward schedules are an integral part of game design that can greatly affect player engagement and motivation. Game designers must carefully consider the type of reward schedule they use to ensure that it is well-balanced and keeps players engaged.