Games are a powerful tool that shapes players’ brains. Crafting these experiences leaves a lasting impact.It is possible to design the experience hormonally:
Dopamine ๐
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐: The “feel-good hormone,” key for pleasure, reward, and motivation.
๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐: Increases pleasure and happiness, and boosts motivation.
๐๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ: Think of the joy when beating a tough area in Dark Souls or unlocking a rare achievement in WoW. Thatโs dopamine rewarding your effort.
–
Adrenaline ๐
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐: The “fight or flight” hormone, preps the body for action.
๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐: Increases heart rate, boosts energy and alertness.
๐๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ: ย Feel your heart race during a boss battle in Sekiro or when you’re carefully pulling your fallen friend in Chained Together? Thatโs adrenaline.
–
Serotonin ๐
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐: Stabilizes mood, well-being, and happiness.
๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐: Relaxing game music, sense of accomplishment, social interactions.
๐๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ: Games with calming soundtracks or social features, like Sky: Children of the Light, help you relax and connect. Thatโs serotonin.
–
Cortisol ๐ฌ
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐: The bodyโs main stress hormone.
๐๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ: Stress in competitive games like League of Legends or tough puzzles in The Witness is linked to cortisol. Manage it to avoid burnout.
–
Endorphin ๐
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐: The bodyโs natural painkillers, released during fun.
๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐: Fun and enjoyable game moments.
๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐: Reduces pain, increases feelings of happiness.
๐๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ: The euphoria after a fun session in Overcooked or Rocket League? Thatโs endorphins.
***
TL:DR
Engagement: โณ Use dopamine-triggering rewards.
Immersion: โณ Create adrenaline-pumping moments.
Well-being: โณ Add serotonin-inducing elements.
Challenge: โณ Balance cortisol-inducing tasks.
Joy: โณ Design fun, endorphin-releasing moments.
Understanding these helps us create games that entertain and positively impact players.
So, How can you chain hormones in F2P games to increase player purchase rates?