At their core, games are pleasurable learning engines. Players learn, improve, and conquer new challenges over time.
This process should be rewarded with tangible benefits. Unlike other gaming rewards programs, which reset every season, a perk program gives users permanent benefits that can be redeemed in-game for Core Credits.
This allows game creators to monetize their content and reward players for engagement.
1. Reward Points
Rewards program for game creators provide ways for gamers to engage with the games they love and earn real rewards.
This creates a more connected experience and boosts loyalty. It also allows for a more flexible monetization system that enables the game to expand its reach and maximize profit potential.
One of the most important things a game designer can do is give their players a sense of empowerment. This is especially evident in RPGs, where a player’s level often determines their power.
For example, when a player reaches the level where they can kill an enemy that was previously too strong, it feels like a moment of triumph.
2. Perks
Rewarding players with unique perks is a powerful way to drive player engagement. These in-game benefits can be anything from new champs to visual customization items.
These high-value, hard-to-obtain rewards tap into the player’s core drives, including unpredictability and curiosity (Core Drive #7) and epic meaning & calling (Core Drive #1).
Another common type of reward is the ability to unlock or earn exclusive spaces within the game world.
This type of reward can be very effective because it rewards players by allowing them to explore a different part of the game universe that is usually closed off to other players.
This also taps into a player’s desire for autonomy and ownership and their need to express themselves.
The Perks program enables core creators to profit from their games by selling in-game rewards and opportunities to players.
These perks can be repeated or one-time purchases. They can be purchased for in-game currency or real-world money. They can be sold for a fixed price or be time-bound. Perks are customizable by developers so that they can fit any game.
Perks can also be combined with other rewards to create a complete monetization system. The program also covers transaction costs, customer support, and engine royalties.
It is an excellent option for developers who want to focus on making their game rather than building a complex monetization system.
3. In-game currency
The in-game currency is essential for game designers to create fun, interactive experiences. It can teach kids about money-saving habits, the value of earning, and financial responsibility. In addition, it can help them learn about how the real world works.
However, it can also lead to unhealthy spending habits. Fortunately, parents can take steps to monitor and limit their children’s gaming purchases.
For example, they can use parental controls to prevent credit cards from being associated with their children’s accounts or use prepaid debit cards for kids to limit their in-game spending.
Soft currency is earned primarily through gameplay and can be spent on various items, activities, consumables, etc. Designing an economy that balances sources and sinks is essential to ensuring player satisfaction and driving monetization.
For example, if players need to spend hard currency to progress in the game, you can offer additional options that allow them to skip certain levels.
In addition, P2E games can leverage block chain technology to enable legal ownership and transparent marketplaces that empower gamers as stakeholders.
This can address some of the drawbacks of Web2 games, where gamers don’t own in-game assets and have no way to generate revenue from those assets beyond what they purchase or earn in-game.
It can also help developers better understand and support player monetization, which is often impossible with centrally operated platforms.
4. Designer Rewards
We’ve all experienced the community when it comes to gaming. Whether it’s Farmville or the latest social media-inspired fad, many games are designed with a solid social component that encourages players to interact and share content.
At the same time, a strong community and active player base can increase a game’s popularity; creating meaningful rewards for players who engage with a developer’s work is essential.
Designer Rewards can be used by game creators to gain access to several benefits, including early access to development builds and exclusive chat.
The program aims to empower game creators by giving them the tools they need to grow their presence within the gaming community. This new program uses generative AI to assist and empower designers with their creative ideas.
The generative AI acts as a design copilot, taking prompts and turning them into detailed scripts, dialogue trees, quests, and more. The resulting narratives can then be integrated into the game client and delivered to players.