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Dark Pattern Games

(www.darkpattern.games)
350 points robotnikman | 1 comments | 16 Nov 25 19:38 UTC | HN request time: 0.2s | source
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joaohaas ◴[17 Nov 25 00:38 UTC] No.45949872[source]▶
Overall it feels like unless your game is a linear single-player game, it will fall under multiple of the site's labelled 'dark patterns'. Here are some really bad ones:

Infinite Treadmill - Impossible to win or complete the game.

Variable Rewards - Unpredictable or random rewards are more addictive than a predictable schedule.

Can't Pause or Save - The game does not allow you to stop playing whenever you want.

Grinding - Being required to perform repetitive and tedious tasks to advance.

Competition - The game makes you compete against other players.

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1. slightwinder ◴[17 Nov 25 11:30 UTC] No.45952700[source]▶
Yes, this site reads like it's written by someone not enjoying games and understanding the concept of gaming. There is nothing dark about most of these concepts individually. The harm comes from combination and/or excessive usage. The dose makes the poison.

Though, learning them and being aware of them is not bad. But I'm curious how much the phrasing pushes the mindset of the readers in the wrong direction.