Abstract:

This paper delves into the psychological concept of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and its application in the sphere of video game design. FOMO, a form of psychological manipulation, plays a pivotal role in influencing player behaviour and fostering continuous engagement. We explore and analyse this technique using a variety of case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of its use and implications from a product designer’s standpoint.

Introduction

In the highly competitive landscape of the gaming industry, keeping players engaged is critical. A particularly effective tool at the disposal of game designers is the psychological principle of Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO. The inherent desire not to be left out or miss opportunities can significantly impact player behaviour, and it is this fear that game designers capitalize on to enhance player engagement and, potentially, monetization.

FOMO in Gaming: Conceptualization and Design

The application of FOMO in gaming hinges on creating an environment where players feel compelled to continue playing to avoid missing out on rewards, events, or social interaction. This can be achieved through various mechanisms like time-limited events, exclusive rewards, or seasonal content.

Time-limited events are a common way of inducing FOMO. These are special game events that occur for a limited duration and offer unique rewards. Players often feel the need to participate to avoid missing out on these opportunities, which in turn drives continuous engagement.

Exclusive rewards are another way of leveraging FOMO. This can take the form of limited-edition items that can only be earned or purchased within a specific timeframe, fostering a sense of urgency to obtain them before they’re gone.

Case Study: Fortnite

Epic Games’ Fortnite utilizes FOMO through its “Battle Pass” system. Each Fortnite season has its own Battle Pass, available for a limited time, offering unique, tiered rewards that cannot be acquired once the season ends. This system effectively capitalizes on FOMO, as players often invest more time and money to secure all the rewards before the season concludes.

Case Study: Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons provides an example of FOMO in a non-competitive environment. The game operates in real-time and offers events and activities tied to specific seasons or holidays. This model creates a compulsion to regularly engage with the game, as players fear missing out on seasonal content, which is not available once the time window has passed.

Implications for Game Design

While the exploitation of FOMO can enhance player engagement and monetization, game designers must be mindful of the potential implications. The incessant pressure to engage can lead to player burnout or foster unhealthy gaming habits. As such, designers must strive to strike a balance between leveraging FOMO and promoting a healthy gaming environment.

Conclusion

FOMO, as a psychological principle, has been skilfully adapted in game design to drive continuous player engagement. However, it’s crucial for designers to consider the potential repercussions of overexploitation of this principle. As the gaming industry evolves, it will be intriguing to see how the use of FOMO and similar psychological principles are ethically integrated into game design to create enjoyable, engaging experiences.

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