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.
Defined
When players see time-limited events, exclusive content, and social connection through their games, it can generate a feeling of anxiety from potential exclusion and absence. This anxiety is called the fear of missing out. It is a powerful motivator drawing on the human desire to stay connected and exploited by intentional game designs. By creating a level of uncertainty for players, “What if I get behind?” “What if all my friends play without me?” It creates a false sense of urgency to engage with the game, even if they are not having fun. FOMO is present in other deceptive patterns such as play by appointment, time-limited sales, and artificial scarcity.
Examples of game designs using FOMO: seasonal battle passes, daily log-in rewards, rotating storefronts.