This research paper delves into the intricate relationship between game design and psychology, with a concentrated focus on ‘Gacha’ mechanics prevalent in the gaming sector. Originating from Japanese toy vending machines, the Gacha system has grown to be a powerful tool in shaping player behaviour. The paper illuminates the conceptual framework underlying Gacha mechanics, emphasizing its capabilities in manipulating player actions and decisions. Through an exhaustive examination, this study presents a detailed understanding of its psycho-manipulative attributes and supports its findings with specific case studies from the gaming industry. The work serves as a comprehensive exploration of the influence and ramifications of Gacha mechanics in contemporary game design.This paper explores the implementation of psychological manipulation techniques in product design, particularly in gaming, focusing on their effects on player behaviour and engagement. The discussed techniques include Skinner Box Mechanics, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Social Pressure, Sunk Cost Fallacy, Artificial Scarcity, Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA), Pay to Win, Teasing Future Content, Locus of Control, Grinding, Loot Boxes, Gacha Systems, and the Zeigarnik Effect. Real-world examples, such as the game “Genshin Impact”, are used to illustrate the techniques’ applications. While acknowledging these methods’ effectiveness in increasing player engagement and revenue, the paper raises concerns about their potential to foster addiction, promote excessive spending, and create unfair gaming environments. The study calls for ethical game design practices and highlights the designers and developers’ responsibility in maintaining a balanced and fair gaming experience.

In the annals of psychological research, the Zeigarnik Effect stands as a seminal concept that was astutely discerned by the distinguished Russian psychologist, Bluma Zeigarnik, in the 1920s. Her pioneering work brought to the fore a captivating revelation: the human psyche demonstrates a proclivity to retain and ruminate upon unfulfilled tasks with greater acuity than those that have reached fruition. The core essence of this effect reverberates through the cross-section of both psychology and product design, intimating profound implications in the realm of user engagement, motivation, and overall experience.This paper discusses the application of B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning framework, colloquially known as the Skinner Box mechanism, in the domain of modern video gaming. As a pivotal tool of psychological manipulation, this method has been integral in influencing player behaviour and engagement. Various case studies and examples are presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage in game design.

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.

This scholarly paper delves into the intricacies of social pressure as a tool for psychological manipulation in video game design. It emphasizes the diverse applications and implications of social pressure in manipulating player behaviour, fostering engagement, and enhancing monetization. Detailed case studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the deployment of this technique, illustrating the concept from a product designer’s viewpoint.