- Bogost uses Cow Clicker to make fun of games like FarmVille and point out what he thinks is wrong with social games. He argues that these games are less about fun or creativity and more about getting people addicted to clicking, waiting, and coming back over and over. They also pressure players into spending money and using their friends to progress in the game. Cow Clicker was basically meant to show how repetitive and manipulative social games can be.
2. Social games like FarmVille enframe friends by turning them more into useful resources rather than actual friends. In games like that, friends are mainly useful because they can send gifts, help you level up, or give you bonuses. The games encourage players to invite more people and constantly interact, but it’s mostly to help the game grow and make money rather than build real social connections.
3. Social games destroy time outside the game because they make players constantly think about the game even when they are not playing. The things developers add like timers, notifications, and limited rewards make people feel like they always need to check back in. So instead of just playing during free time, the game starts controlling your schedule and attention throughout the day.