Have you ever bought something in your game without knowing the cost in real currency? You may have encountered deceptive game design or specific user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) practices that trick players into doing things that mainly benefit the game's developers and publishers.

Hilda Hadan, a Ph.D. candidate in Systems Design Engineering supervised by UX researchers at Stratford School for Interaction Design and Business at the University of Waterloo, explains some common tactics and how to avoid them.

What are the most common practices used to manipulate players?

A common example is in-game currencies such as gems or coins. They create an exchange rate with real money but disguise the actual price of items players buy in the game.

Some other tactics include accidental purchases, where games save payment details by default but skip purchase confirmation, which makes people buy things by mistake. Random rewards such as loot boxes encourage players to spend real money for a chance to get valuable items like a special piece of clothing, turning games into gambling.

What negative effects can deceptive game design have on players, and how can players avoid them?

Financially, players may not realize how much they've spent with unplanned microtransactions and impulsive purchases. Psychologically,  games can trigger addictive behaviours through gambling mechanics. Games can also cause anxiety from FOMO (fear of missing out) or peer pressure to keep up with friends through purchases.

Privacy is another concern. Games often incentivize players to share personal information and link their social media accounts. Companies can then access players' information on those platforms.

When choosing games, consider more than just graphics and gameplay. Read online reviews because deceptive designs often trigger anger from players. Players should track their money and time spent on gaming. Be cautious with personal information by using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and always think twice before linking social media accounts.

What steps can parents/guardians take to protect young players from deceptive game design?

Make use of parental controls, such as requiring a password for purchases. Families can also create a "gaming budget" to teach children about financial responsibility. Have regular conversations with children about the real cost of virtual items and privacy risks. Limit children's gaming time and help them create a balanced schedule that encourages other activities. Watch for signs like skipping meals, poor schoolwork, anxiety about fitting in with friends or a fear of "being left behind" or "looking poor" in games.

Most importantly, create a supportive environment so children feel safe discussing their gaming concerns. Play together with them. Encourage them to reflect.

Read more

Waterloo News

Media? 

Contact media relations to learn more about this or other stories.