Why rewards always devalue the game experience

by kapowaz, Monday, April 22, 2013, 09:14 (4232 days ago) @ Jillybean

But what if achieving something difficult is considered fun?

Accomplishment is another valid reason to pursue something — even in something that's ostensibly a leisure activity. I fundamentally disagree with Cody's primary assertion; not all rewards undermine the enjoyment of a game. I would definitely agree that some do, but there are plenty of examples where this isn't the case, and in fact I'd go so far as to say the majority of videogames operate on the principle of rewarding the player to keep them engaged.