When it comes to the driving forces in game design, creating engaging iLottery content extends beyond great graphics, exciting mechanics, and mathematics. NPi’s Studio digs deeper. Understanding player motivators is an integral component of appealing to different player types, meeting player expectations in the digital channel, and maximizing player engagement.
The Bartle Test of Psychology groups gamers into four player types: Achiever, Explorer, Socializer, and Killer. Players often have multiple motivators but are sorted by their “dominant” motivator. A strong gamification environment takes into consideration the overlap of player types as well as player feedback.
Let’s learn more about these player types. For the Achiever points and status are top priority—reaching a goal or gaining a badge is a key driver for play. On the other hand, the Explorer is not attracted by points or prizes, but rather the act of discovery. To them, surprises are the ultimate incentive. The Socializer is fueled by interaction with other players —to them, joining forces to accomplish a goal is often the obvious answer. Finally, the ominous-sounding Killer is actually quite similar to the Achiever. Killers also find gratification in status or winning; however, their primary drive is to see others lose.
How does this translate to iLottery content? Let’s use the example of the Explorer. Explorers appreciate a consistent experience when playing a game, but are also highly driven by the element of surprise. In the context of iLottery, a bonus round is the key to an Explorer’s heart.
NPi’s Studio developed Pirate’s Quest, a perfect illustration of game design that appeals to Explorers. The cascading game mechanics provide consistent interactivity to players, with the main goal of securing clusters of matching symbols. The game enhancements feature three additional components that engage Explorers through their motivators of surprise and discovery. Special symbols trigger Extra Reveals, providing the player with varying levels of additional symbols to form more matches in the game grid—giving players a surprise and new challenge! If the player discovers an Anchor symbol during game play, the symbols surrounding it are morphed into matching symbols, creating a winning cluster. When executed strategically within game design, these surprise elements provide an engaging combination for Explorer player types.
As digital engagement rapidly evolves, data collection will continue to improve our understanding of player patterns, preferences, and motivators to inform portfolio design and inspire the next wave of innovative iLottery game development.