Deceptive Pattern Database
Explore our database of documented deceptive patterns in video games. Learn how to spot them in the wild and how they work.
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Loot Box
money
Randomized item containers psychologically similar to gambling and accessible without having to show an ID.
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Monetized Rivalries
money
Want to be #1? Rank high in the leaderboards? Prepare to crack the piggy bank to compete with other players.
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Pay to Win
money
Pay money, become more powerful. A simple transaction that creates games where the strongest players have the most disposable income. If you want to compete, you better be prepared to pay up.
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Fear of Missing Out
psychology
Generating anxiety about missing out from limited time events, exclusive content, or even free resources, FOMO is a powerful psychological motivator to keep players logging in.
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Sunken Cost
psychology
The #1 reason players keep coming back to a game they don't have fun playing anymore.
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Grinding
time
Grinding has become a ubiquitous term in gaming, representing the length of time it takes to accomplish a task in a video game. Learn the difference between grinding as an intended game design and grinding as manipulative, meant to drive sales.
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Playing by Appointment
time
Games that encourage logging in at specific times to complete objectives or curry additional resources are using the deceptive pattern playing by appointment.
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