Behavioral Economics
Ongoing coverage on Behavioral Economics.
Latest coverage
Why Casual Gamers Are Drawn to Short, Reward-Heavy Games
This article analyzes the psychological design behind virtual currencies in games like Overwatch 2 and Path of Exile, explaining how they reduce the 'pain of paying' and encourage spending. It contrasts Blizzard's fixed-rate currency with Grinding Gear Games' player-driven orb economy, noting how these models influence player behavior and can extend beyond gaming into other digital products.
Reading the Meta: Which Skin Aesthetics Hold Community Favor Long-Term
This analysis explores the psychological design of virtual economies in live-service games, contrasting Blizzard's Overwatch 2 coin system with Grinding Gear Games' orb-based economy in Path of Exile. It argues that proprietary currencies reduce the 'pain of paying' and discusses how these principles have influenced other digital sectors like crypto and loyalty programs.
Overwatch, Path of Exile, and the In-Game Economy: What Virtual Currency Systems Reveal About Real Money Design
This analysis explores how virtual currency systems in games like Overwatch 2 and Path of Exile are designed to psychologically influence players and abstract real-world spending. It contrasts Blizzard's stable but awkward dual-currency model with Grinding Gear Games' player-driven orb economy, highlighting how these designs reduce the 'pain of paying' and encourage continued engagement. The article also touches on the migration of these principles to other digital sectors and offers advice for players on budgeting for in-game purchases.
