Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik Effect Theory in Game Design

Author: Bluma Zeigarnik

Have you ever noticed how we tend to remember unfinished tasks more than the ones we’ve completed? This phenomenon is known as the Zeigarnik Effect, named after the psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik who first discovered it in the early 1920s.

Description

According to the Zeigarnik Effect, our brains have a natural tendency to retain and prioritize incomplete or interrupted tasks over those that have been finalized. This theory suggests that uncompleted tasks create a constant mental tension, pushing us to remember and focus on them until they are resolved.

Conclusion of this theory

In game design, the Zeigarnik Effect plays a crucial role in engaging and retaining players’ attention. Game designers can leverage this effect by introducing tasks, quests, or challenges that leave players with a sense of curiosity and motivation to continue playing. By strategically using this cognitive bias, designers can create immersive and compelling experiences that keep players invested in the game.

Implications to RPG Designers

• Quest Design: RPG designers can use the Zeigarnik Effect to create intriguing quests with cliffhangers or multiple stages. This keeps players motivated to progress and uncover the outcome.
• Character Development: By leaving certain character arcs or backstories unresolved, designers can pique players’ interest and encourage them to delve deeper into the game world to seek answers.
• Puzzle Solving: Introducing complex puzzles that require multiple steps to solve can tap into the Zeigarnik Effect, making players want to persist until they crack the code.

For example, in the popular RPG game “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players encounter numerous quests with branching storylines and unresolved mysteries, triggering the Zeigarnik Effect and compelling them to explore further to resolve these narratives.

In essence, understanding and applying the Zeigarnik Effect in game design can significantly enhance the player experience and create more engaging and memorable gameplay moments. So, next time you’re designing a game, remember the power of keeping things unfinished to keep players coming back for more!