A Bird Matching Game: Difficulty, Rewards, and Intrinsic Motivation

The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of various engagement mechanics—specifically point-based reward systems versus educational content—and the role of self-selected difficulty in fostering intrinsic motivation. By analyzing 66 sessions of a bird-matching game, the study seeks to determine which design elements most effectively drive player engagement and perceived effort. The scope of this analysis is confined to a controlled gaming environment, focusing on how these specific mechanics influence player behavior and psychological investment over a short-term period.

The findings indicate that traditional reward structures, whether centered on gamification elements like badges and points or on educational materials such as bird sounds and facts, fail to produce a statistically significant impact on intrinsic motivation or in-game progression. These results suggest that extrinsic reward systems may be less influential in sustaining player interest than previously assumed. Conversely, the implementation of optional difficulty settings serves as a powerful driver of engagement. Participants who voluntarily chose to increase the game’s difficulty reported significantly higher scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, particularly regarding perceived effort and the importance of the task.

Ultimately, the research concludes that providing players with the autonomy to adjust core game mechanics is a more effective strategy for increasing engagement than relying on conventional reward systems. While neither reward type nor difficulty adjustments altered the rate of in-game progression, the shift toward self-selected challenges suggests that player agency is a critical component of the user experience. Future industry efforts should prioritize the development of flexible, challenge-based mechanics over standard pointification to better cultivate long-term player interest and psychological investment.