Over the last few years, developers within the gaming industry have focussed on offering prospective players in-game rewards for continuously immersing themselves in their respective titles. This has been done in numerous different ways, with reward systems and bonus features providing the opportunity to unlock exclusive content or, for example, receive an in-game currency boost.

As a result, we’re going to look at some of the modern-day methods that enhance immersion levels through incentivizing user experiences.

Game Reward Systems

One of the most common ways that contemporary video game releases have inspired heightened levels of motivation within players is through a structured approach to a rewards-based system. Ever since EA Sports introduced the Ultimate Team feature into their FIFA franchise, they have also integrated a unique method of encouraging sustained gaming. Within their latest release, FIFA 20, users are rewarded by playing both Division Rivals, which is a weekly competition, and their Weekend League.



Within these game modes, performance levels have a significant impact on the rewards that are distributed. For example, if you won 28 games out of the available 30 during the Weekend League, then 125,000 coins would be rewarded in addition to several bonus packs, whereas 12 victories only amount to 20,000 coins and fewer reward packs.

Moreover, this type of system has also become popular within the latest iGaming developments. At Plarium’s Heart of Vegas, there are numerous features that provide motivation to prospective users. Like FIFA, the real slot machines that are available at the platform are free to play yet also offer exclusive rewards and sizable bonuses across some of the most popular releases, including Buffalo, Miss Kitty, and Sun&Moon. Although there isn’t a tier system directly similar to that utilized within the EA Sports franchise, the different jackpots ensure that there are various reward sizes to be won.

In-Game Bonus Features

Aside from reward systems, some of the biggest games in recent years instead provide a means of unlocking unique in-game content through bonus features. In Psyonix’s 2015, release, Rocket League, the developers have frequently introduced exclusive currencies and rewards that mirror events within society. At the time of writing, the title allows users to earn red envelopes in celebration of the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival which can then be used to purchase Chinese-centered features such as banners, decals, titles and much more.



Furthermore, Rockstar’s award-winning title, Grand Theft Auto V, also provides gamers with the chance to win exclusive content through their Lucky Wheel feature, which was added during the Diamond Casino and Resort update. With one attempt on the wheel per day, online players can win anything from unique clothing for their avatar to reputation points and free vehicles.

Incentivized Gaming is Here to Stay

While it has only recently become immensely popular within the latest array of multiplayer games, it appears unlikely that reward systems or opportunities to unlock unique content will be removed from the gaming industry any time soon. Fundamentally, prospective players feel more motivated to immerse themselves in titles that offer bonuses, and that is unlikely to change over the coming years.