candy-crush-saga-posterEver wonder why games like Flappy Bird, Candy Crush, and Angry Birds can be so addictive? It’s not because they have wonderful storylines or amazing graphics, and with each game being different from one another, could there be a shared element that has allowed these games to be as popular as they are today?

Well The Guardian decided to find out and have conducted an interview with Dr. Simon Moore, a psychologist, along with developers at Lumo Developments who shared some of the “secret” techniques that they use to create addictive games. For starters they first identified mobile gamers as being the sort that gets distracted easily, especially on their phones where they can receive messages, emails, or phone calls.

Based on that, developers then create games that allows gamers to take long breaks in between the sessions before returning to where they were. Given that games like Flappy Bird and Angry Birds have no storyline, it’s not as if you’d be itching to find out what happens next, right? Dr. Moore also suggested that these games should not be too emotionally exciting, but rather somewhat repetitive, which is pretty much what you’d expect from Flappy Bird.

Dr. Moore also states that developers need to apply long-term strategic decision making elements in the game, which will make players feel rewarded for their choices. “So, quick decisions like: ‘Stand and fight or run and hide?’ are exciting system one decisions, whereas those involving questions like, ‘How will I earn enough money to buy that jewel-encrusted fluffy horned helmet?’ are pleasing, as they give us a sense of purpose and achievement.”

It’s an interesting read and if you’re a developer looking to create the next addicting mobile game, or if you’re just curious as to why some of these games have such a mass appeal, you can head on over to The Guardian’s website for the details.

Filed in Cellphones >Gaming. Read more about .

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