Introduction
Video games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, with millions of people around the world enjoying them every day. One of the key aspects of many video games is the use of reinforcement schedules to keep players engaged and motivated. In this article, we will explore the concept of reinforcement schedules in video games, focusing specifically on the schedule used when a game gives players points for every tenth hit.
The Psychology of Reinforcement Schedules
Reinforcement schedules are used in video games to reward players for performing certain actions or behaviors. The idea is to create a positive association between the behavior and the reward, encouraging players to repeat the behavior in the future. There are several different types of reinforcement schedules, including fixed ratio, variable ratio, and intermittent reinforcement.
Fixed Ratio Reinforcement
Fixed ratio reinforcement involves the presentation of a reward every time the same behavior is repeated. For example, in many shooting games, players earn points for each enemy they defeat. If the game gives one point for every enemy defeated, this is an example of fixed ratio reinforcement.
Variable Ratio Reinforcement
Variable ratio reinforcement involves the presentation of a reward on an inconsistent basis. For example, in some games, players may receive a rare item or power-up after completing a certain level or achieving a high score.
Intermittent Reinforcement
Intermittent reinforcement involves the presentation of a reward after an inconsistent number of repetitions of the behavior. In other words, the reward is presented after a certain number of repeats (e.g., every tenth hit), rather than after every repetition.
Case Studies: Games That Use Points for Every Tenth Hit
Many video games use points for every tenth hit as a form of reinforcement schedule. This type of schedule is particularly effective in shooting and action games, where players need to quickly react to incoming threats and make quick decisions.
Call of Duty
In the popular first-person shooter game Call of Duty, players earn points for every enemy they defeat. However, rather than earning one point for each enemy, the game gives players 50 points for every 10 enemies defeated. This type of schedule encourages players to stay focused on the task at hand and keep their eye on the prize, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and progression as they earn more points.
Fortnite
In the battle royale game Fortnite, players earn experience points (XP) for completing various tasks, such as eliminating enemies or building structures. However, rather than earning XP for every action, the game gives players 10 XP for each tenth action completed. This type of schedule encourages players to continue performing actions and making progress, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and progression as they earn more XP.