Wasted Time Fuel: How Games Can Avoid Burning Out Players
In the vast world of gaming, there’s a delicate balance between engagement and frustration. While games are designed to be fun and immersive, some mechanics can leave players feeling like they’re wasting their time. This phenomenon, which we’ll call “wasted time fuel,” refers to elements in a game that feel repetitive, unnecessary, or downright tedious. These mechanics can drive players away, even from games they initially loved. So, what causes this issue, and how can developers avoid it?
The Problem of Repetitive Tasks
One of the most common culprits of wasted time fuel is the repetitive task loop. Players are often forced to complete the same actions over and over, such as grinding for experience points or farming resources. While some players enjoy the grind, others find it exhausting. For example, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players can spend hours collecting every single potion ingredient or crafting item, which can feel more like a chore than a game.
Games like Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice have mastered the art of challenging gameplay without making players feel like they’re wasting time. These games reward skill and persistence, making even the toughest sections feel fair and satisfying. The key is to ensure that every moment, even the frustrating ones, contributes to the overall experience.
The Pitfalls of Poorly Designed Progression Systems
Another major contributor to wasted time fuel is poorly designed progression systems. If a game’s leveling or upgrade system feels slow or unbalanced, players may lose motivation. For instance, if it takes hours to earn enough in-game currency for a single upgrade, players might feel like they’re not making progress. This is especially true in free-to-play games, where aggressive monetization can make progression feel like a slog.
Games like Apex Legends and Fortnite have managed to strike a balance by offering both free and paid progression options. Players can earn cosmetic items through gameplay or purchase them directly, ensuring that everyone feels like they’re moving forward, regardless of how much they spend.
The Importance of Player Agency
Player agency, or the feeling that a player’s choices matter, is crucial for keeping players engaged. When a game forces players into a rigid structure with no room for creativity or experimentation, it can feel like a waste of time. Open-world games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt excel in this area, offering players the freedom to explore, complete quests in any order, and make meaningful decisions that impact the story.
This sense of agency keeps players invested because they feel like they’re shaping their own experience, rather than just following a set path.
The Role of Feedback and Rewards
Finally, feedback and rewards play a critical role in keeping players engaged. When players can see the results of their efforts, whether it’s a new ability, a cosmetic item, or a story milestone, they feel like their time is being well spent. Games like Overwatch and League of Legends use rewards like loot boxes, skins, and champion levels to keep players coming back for more.
However, these systems can backfire if they feel unfair or manipulative. For example, loot boxes that rely on chance rather than skill can lead to frustration and a sense of wasting money, not just time.
Case Study: Destiny 2 and the Grind
Destiny 2 is a prime example of how wasted time fuel can impact a game’s success. When the game first launched, players were frustrated by the slow progression system and the lack of meaningful endgame content. Bungie, the game’s developer, listened to feedback and made significant changes, adding more content and streamlining the progression system. Today, Destiny 2 is one of the most popular live-service games, with a dedicated community and regular updates.
This case shows that even if a game starts off on the wrong foot, it’s possible to turn things around by addressing player concerns and focusing on what matters most: keeping players engaged and satisfied.
Conclusion
In the end, the key to avoiding wasted time fuel is to focus on creating a balanced and rewarding experience. By avoiding repetitive tasks, ensuring fair progression systems, giving players agency, and providing meaningful feedback and rewards, developers can keep their games fresh and engaging. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re wasting their time, especially when they’re trying to have fun.