Extrinsic motivation

Definition

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity due to external rewards or pressures rather than intrinsic satisfaction. This type of motivation often stems from the desire to achieve tangible benefits, such as rewards, recognition, or avoiding negative outcomes. In the realm of game design and narrative techniques, understanding extrinsic motivation helps creators build engaging experiences that incentivize players through achievements, leaderboards, and other external rewards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extrinsic motivation can enhance player engagement by providing clear goals and rewards that encourage continued participation in the game.
2. Incorporating leaderboards and achievements taps into extrinsic motivation, as players often strive to outdo others and earn recognition.
3. While extrinsic motivation can be effective in driving immediate actions, over-reliance on external rewards may undermine intrinsic motivation over time.
4. Game designers use narrative techniques to create scenarios that foster extrinsic motivation, such as quests with valuable rewards that encourage players to explore the game world.
5. Balancing extrinsic and intrinsic motivation is crucial for maintaining long-term player engagement and satisfaction within a game.

Review Questions

• How does extrinsic motivation influence player behavior in game design?
  • Extrinsic motivation significantly influences player behavior by creating a framework of rewards and incentives that guide gameplay. Game designers often implement systems like achievements, points, or leaderboards that motivate players to complete tasks or reach certain milestones. This kind of motivation encourages competition and social interaction among players, as they strive to gain recognition and rewards, ultimately enhancing their overall gaming experience.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks of relying heavily on extrinsic motivation in game design.
  • Relying too heavily on extrinsic motivation can lead to several drawbacks in game design. One major issue is that it may diminish players' intrinsic motivation over time, as they become focused solely on external rewards instead of the enjoyment of gameplay itself. This shift can result in players losing interest once rewards are no longer perceived as valuable. Additionally, if players feel overwhelmed by the pressure to achieve external goals, it can create frustration and detract from the overall experience of the game.
• Evaluate how effective balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can impact player retention in games.
  • Effectively balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations is vital for improving player retention in games. When players are motivated both by internal satisfaction—such as enjoying gameplay—and external rewards—like achievements—they are more likely to remain engaged over time. This balance ensures that while players are striving for external recognition, they are also finding personal enjoyment and fulfillment in their gaming experience. Such a combination leads to a deeper connection with the game and its narrative, ultimately fostering loyalty and long-term participation.

Related terms

intrinsic motivation:

Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, often stemming from personal interest or enjoyment.

gamification:

Gamification is the application of game-like elements in non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation through rewards and challenges.

reward systems: Reward systems are structured frameworks in games that provide players with incentives for completing tasks, achieving goals, or participating in activities.