Episode 97 - Why We Like Really Hard (and Really Easy) Games

Episode 97 - Why We Like Really Hard (and Really Easy) Games

Author: Jamie Madigan September 1, 2024 Duration: 46:09
Psychology of Video Games Podcast
LeisureGamesVideo Games
We have some decent theories for understanding the appeal of many different types of video games. But one thing I've always struggled to explain is why people love really difficult games (like Dark Souls) or really easy games (like Cookie Clicker). In this episode I'll explore one theory about uncertainty reduction that helps explain why we find ANY kind of game engaging.

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/pog

Audio Credits:

Ever wonder why a particular game mechanic feels so satisfying or why you keep returning to a certain virtual world? Psychology of Video Games Podcast digs into those exact questions, moving beyond simple reviews to explore the mental machinery behind our play. Hosted by psychologist Jamie Madigan, each episode applies research and theory to understand our experiences with games. You’ll hear discussions on how developers use principles of motivation and learning to craft compelling systems, and what our behavior-from cooperation to rage-quitting-reveals about our minds. This isn’t about finding the next game to play; it’s about understanding the ones you already love on a deeper level. The podcast unpacks the subtle psychological hooks in design, the social dynamics of online worlds, and the cognitive reasons behind our emotional responses. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or simply curious about human behavior, these conversations offer a unique lens on a popular pastime. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis that connects the dots between academic psychology and the everyday realities of playing video games.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
spotifyapple_musicpatreon
Psychology of Video Games Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 100 - Can Playing D&D Be Good For You? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
It's frequently argued that playing games like Dungeons & Dragons can help you develop social skills like, cooperation, teamwork, and interpersonal communication. Get in there, use the game as scaffolding to practice tho…
Podcast 99 - Toxicity and Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
Toxicity in video games has been a long-standing and long-studied problem. In this episode, I talk to someone who has not only studied toxic behavior among gamers, but specifically looked at how players deal with it --or…
Episode 98 - Embedding Values in Games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
Many games put forth some kind of value that they hope will be communicated to players, be they ones that see obvious (like the value of empathy) or subtle (like experiencing life under capitalism). When the insertion of…
Episode 96 - Psychology of D&D Book Kickstarter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:13
My publisher is running a Kickstarter to offer discounted, early copies of my new book on the Psychology of Dungeons & Dragons. To help you decide if you want to back it (I think you should, but I'm arguably biased), thi…
Episode 95 Sense of Place [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:49
Have you ever become attached to a place in a video game? A virtual environment that you've obviously never visited in the flesh but which you start to think of it like a real place? Maybe the dwarven capitol of Ironforg…
Episode 94 - The Psychology of Gaming Passion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:46
Many of us have considered ourselves "passionate" about one thing or another, including video games or even specific game series or franchises. But what does this mean and is it always a good thing? When can passion beco…
Podcast 93 - Do Games Make You Smarter? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:24
In this episode, I'll explore some research on whether or not video games can make you smarter or help you develop certain cognitive skills.Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creati…
Episode 92 - Nostalgia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:59
In this episode, I talk with an expert on how video games elicit nostalgia and what it means for players and consumers.Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-…
Episode 91 - Avatars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:37
What do research and theory say about how our avatars in video games and virtual reality may shape our behaviors --and how they don't?Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Com…
Episode 90 - ADHD and Gaming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
In this episode I talk with an expert on diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. We'll talk about the challenges video games present to people with ADHD and some strategies for dealing with problems it may present.Audi…

12345...10»