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What Are Intrinsic & Extrinsic Motivation?

In short: Extrinsic motivation is doing something for a reward. Intrinsic motivation is doing something because you enjoy it. This statement simplifies the concept, but it’s the easiest way to understand it! Let’s explore this further

How Can We Identify Extrinsic Motivation in Games?

A simple way to spot extrinsic motivation in games is to check whether a feature is not directly part of the gameplay but still encourages the player to play. For example, you’ve probably seen leaderboards, achievements, or monetary rewards in mobile games. These mechanics encourage play, but they aren’t part of the core gameplay experience.

Is It Bad to Use Extrinsic Motivation in Game Design?

Not at all! Extrinsic motivators can be useful, but they should only supplement the gameplay experience. Players shouldn’t play a game just to top the leaderboard or unlock a cosmetic item. While extrinsic rewards can boost short-term engagement, they can also backfire and weaken the very motivation that made the game fun in the first place.

How Can Game Designers Foster Intrinsic Motivation?

To answer this, let’s talk about some basic human psychology.