Design Engaging Reward Systems, Progression Loops, and Ethical Monetization
Have you ever wondered why you can play one game for a thousand hours, while another, despite showering you with rewards, feels like a chore? The secret isn’t just in the rewards themselves; it’s in the psychology behind how they’re delivered.
What you’ll learn
- Analyze and apply the core psychological principles (like Self-Determination Theory and Reinforcement Schedules) that drive player motivation..
- Design compelling reward, progression, and social systems using practical frameworks like the Reward Value Canvas and the Ethical Accelerator Audit..
- Critically evaluate common monetization models and apply the principles of Humane Design to create fair, player-respecting systems that build long-term trust..
- Balance and maintain a living game economy, using system audits to prevent common issues like inflation, reward bloat, and monetization fatigue..
Course Content
- The Player’s Mind: Motivation, Traps, and True Engagement –> 5 lectures • 33min.
- The Reward Arsenal: Types, Structures, and Experiences –> 4 lectures • 30min.
- Design in Action – Crafting Your Reward Systems –> 4 lectures • 37min.
- The Designer’s Hand – Balancing and Iterating Your Game –> 3 lectures • 21min.
- Humane Design in Practice –> 4 lectures • 27min.
Requirements
Have you ever wondered why you can play one game for a thousand hours, while another, despite showering you with rewards, feels like a chore? The secret isn’t just in the rewards themselves; it’s in the psychology behind how they’re delivered.
This is the definitive guide to designing video game reward systems that players don’t just chase, but genuinely love. We move far beyond simplistic “points and badges” to explore the deep science of player motivation. This course provides a complete framework for building compelling rewards, engaging progression loops, and healthy social systems that create lasting, meaningful engagement. You’ll learn not just the “how” of system design, but the crucial “why” behind what makes a game truly unforgettable.
Taught by a Ph.D. who did their thesis on this exact topic, this course bridges the gap between academic theory and the practical reality of game development. Forget vague advice. You will learn actionable frameworks and professional tools like the Reward Value Canvas, the Ethical Accelerator Audit, and the Faucets & Drains model for economic balancing. We tackle the tough questions, including a deep dive into Humane Design and the ethics of monetization in the modern gaming landscape.
Please Note: The core lectures use animated visuals with a clear, AI-generated voice for optimal learning. Each section then concludes with a personal “Expert Insights” video from me, the instructor, to provide real-world context and strategic advice.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Master the core psychological principles that drive player motivation.
- Design a wide variety of rewards using the “Reward Palette” to appeal to diverse player types.
- Structure compelling long-term progression engines that turn a “grind” into a satisfying journey.
- Use the “Reward Value Canvas” to design and balance items that feel genuinely valuable.
- Balance a living game economy using the “Faucets & Drains” model to prevent inflation.
- Foster positive, thriving communities by designing healthy social reward systems.
- Critically analyze monetization models and apply the principles of Humane Design to build systems that earn player trust.
This course is for anyone who wants to move beyond simply playing games and start understanding how to build them. Whether you’re an aspiring game designer, an indie developer, a product manager, or simply a passionate player who wants to look “under the hood” at the science of fun, you will find immense value here.
Stop guessing what players want and start understanding what they need. Enroll today and learn to design rewards that truly matter.