1. What are the issues Ian Bogost raises about social games with Cow Clicker?
Ian Bogost critiques social games for being exploitative, designed to encourage addictive behavior through minimal rewards and constant in-game purchases. His game Cow Clicker satirizes this by reducing gameplay to the mindless act of clicking, highlighting the emptiness of such games.
2. How do social games like FarmVille enframe friends?
Social games turn friends into resources and tools for progress, where players rely on each other for in-game rewards. They also create social pressure by encouraging competition and validation through in-game achievements shared with friends.
3. How do social games destroy time outside of the game?
Social games keep players engaged with constant notifications, reminders, and time-sensitive tasks that demand frequent attention. This creates a sense of urgency and fear of missing out, drawing players back into the game even when they’re not actively playing.