DUST Search - Is Dust a Skinner Box

Avallo Kantor wrote:

I'd argue "No" because the core engagement mechanics of the game is not the act of getting that EoM loot, but of the moment to moment gun play. This game, much like other FPS games, falls into the adrenaline rush type of excitement more so than it's loot mechanics.

That said, it like many games do have some things which are akin to it as per what Ripley Riley has said, but that doesn't mean the entire game itself is a skinner box. The problem with this notion is that it can be often applied too broadly. The act of having a reward does not make something a skinner box, but the act of that being the only reason to do the activity.

Basically, as long as players are enjoying the activity for reasons other than the thrill of getting the 'treat' then the game is not primarily a skinner box. I would argue that most people play DUST for the customization aspects, the FPS component of the game, and the social components (Such as free voice chat that is worth a darn) This does combine with the reward and RNG mechanics to make a satisfying experience.

Pages: 1 :: [one page]

Author	Thread Statistics \| Show CCP posts - 0 post(s)
Bax Zanith Sinfonia1898 233	Posted - 2015.10.21 14:48:00 - [1] - Quote I hear so many people say how frustrating it is to play this game, and yet they still keep playing. I always wondered why someone would want to play a game they don't enjoy, but then I found this video: The Skinner Box after looking at this video, would you say that Dust 514 is a Skinner Box game? Why or why not? "You're either the cow or the butcher."
Ripley Riley Incorruptibles 12	Posted - 2015.10.21 14:51:00 - [2] - Quote Most games that feature some kind of RNG drop mechanic (a la EoM salvage, strongboxes, or experimental lab) is a kind of Skinner Box. Dust is no different. Random rewards make our monkey brains tingle in just the right way. "I get to fist tanks in butt" - Jadek Menaheim
Avallo Kantor 932	Posted - 2015.10.21 15:25:00 - [3] - Quote I'd argue "No" because the core engagement mechanics of the game is not the act of getting that EoM loot, but of the moment to moment gun play. This game, much like other FPS games, falls into the adrenaline rush type of excitement more so than it's loot mechanics. That said, it like many games do have some things which are akin to it as per what Ripley Riley has said, but that doesn't mean the entire game itself is a skinner box. The problem with this notion is that it can be often applied too broadly. The act of having a reward does not make something a skinner box, but the act of that being the only reason to do the activity. Basically, as long as players are enjoying the activity for reasons other than the thrill of getting the 'treat' then the game is not primarily a skinner box. I would argue that most people play DUST for the customization aspects, the FPS component of the game, and the social components (Such as free voice chat that is worth a darn) This does combine with the reward and RNG mechanics to make a satisfying experience. "Mind Blown" - CCP Rattati
Ripley Riley Incorruptibles 12	Posted - 2015.10.21 15:27:00 - [4] - Quote Avallo Kantor wrote: I would argue that most people play DUST for the customization aspects, the FPS component of the game, and the social components ... ... ... or shitposting on the forums. "I get to fist tanks in butt" - Jadek Menaheim
Varoth Drac Dead Man's Game 1	Posted - 2015.10.21 15:47:00 - [5] - Quote Not particularly, though there are elements. I think a lot of the time people complain because they like to complain. Or they complain because this is a game with lots to complain about, but also lots of genuinely good elements that make people want to continue playing. So they play and complain.
Mortishai Belmont G.L.O.R.Y 1	Posted - 2015.10.21 16:08:00 - [6] - Quote Most people left here have a lot of time invested int his game, years even. It's hard to walk away from all that you've built and friends that you've made. It's still a good game but it's hard to put up with all the problems. The good slightly outweighs the bad for most of us so we stay. The C.E.O. of G.L.O.R.Y, (~..)~ Now on Youtube ~(..~)
Void Echo Helix Evolution I.W.C 3	Posted - 2015.10.21 16:42:00 - [7] - Quote Dust 514 is the only Playstation exclusive game that mirrors halo's future, sifi, non-earth story. Alot of people I know like dust simply because of the theme, name one game on Playstation that has the science fiction, space, future theme that dust does and tell me if that game is Playstation exclusive. Your answer will come to "there is no such game other than dust 514". Closed Beta Vet. Founder of Helix Evolution I.W.C It's not a dick, don't take it so hard bruh- hate mail response
Shaun Iwairo DUST University Ivy League 247	Posted - 2015.10.21 22:59:00 - [8] - Quote Avallo Kantor wrote: I'd argue "No" because the core engagement mechanics of the game is not the act of getting that EoM loot, but of the moment to moment gun play. This game, much like other FPS games, falls into the adrenaline rush type of excitement more so than it's loot mechanics. That said, it like many games do have some things which are akin to it as per what Ripley Riley has said, but that doesn't mean the entire game itself is a skinner box. The problem with this notion is that it can be often applied too broadly. The act of having a reward does not make something a skinner box, but the act of that being the only reason to do the activity. Basically, as long as players are enjoying the activity for reasons other than the thrill of getting the 'treat' then the game is not primarily a skinner box. I would argue that most people play DUST for the customization aspects, the FPS component of the game, and the social components (Such as free voice chat that is worth a darn) This does combine with the reward and RNG mechanics to make a satisfying experience. Good analysis. To throw a spanner in the works - do players behaviors change during an Event week? Something is killing new player retention.


Pages: 1 :: [one page]