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Comment by 1bpp

13 hours ago

also funny how those first 3 'dark patterns' are basically just the core appeal of the genre

Yeah, can't take this site seriously when it lists some of my favorite mechanics as dark patterns.

  • 'Competition' is listed as a dark pattern. Ya know, the core thing common to basically all games going back millenia, this site is ridiculous.

    • The site says: "People like a challenge and playing against other people is often how games provide this challenge. Competition by itself is not necessarily a dark pattern. Classic games like chess and checkers, and most sports have competition. It's when competition is combined with other dark patterns that problems arise."

      And this is true. In particular, competition where you gain rewards for staying on top of leaderboards, and there is a pay-to-win element. Competition isn't necessarily bad, competition can be fun, "but how is this game using competition" something you should think about before you get into a new game.

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  • You're allowed to like dark patterns. Doesn't make them any less dark. They manipulate you to get you to play more. But you are allowed to enjoy it. Trying to save your ego or pride by pretending is silly.

    • I don't agree that they are dark though.

      > Trying to save your ego or pride by pretending is silly.

      Now you really convinced me!