Reward Timing Is the Hidden Skill in HTML5 Game Design

It’s a mistake to assume that HTML5 game design follows the same rules as development targeting other platforms, because by the very nature of the code itself and its intended use cases, the pacing of play is quite distinct. There are lots of tweaks and optimizations that can be made, but one area that’s often overlooked yet has a big impact on things like player engagement and retention is reward timing.

Dealing with Distractions

Since HTML5 games are typically played in-browser, they’re also expected to be competing for the attention of the user against a whole raft of distractions. So while a fully-fledged console game or Steam release on PC might have the luxury of assuming a basic level of focus and attentiveness from the player, that’s simply not true for browser-based experiences.

The key to ensuring that external distractions don’t derail a play session is to get the player into the action as soon as possible, and reward them more regularly. Online gambling sites do this better than most, as the gap between a game loading and the player receiving instant, positive feedback can be measured in seconds. And even if a slot spin or a hand of blackjack doesn’t pay out, other tactics such as engaging visuals and audio cues step in to make a bad outcome still feel like a reward. As covered in this Slots of Vegas Casino review, if this instant feedback is coupled with a quick sign-up process, the minimal friction of HTML5 gaming can successfully maintain longer play sessions.

Avoiding Predictability

While rewarding players of HTML5 games regularly is important, the other point to make is that timing cannot become stagnant, or else that all-important element of anticipation will evaporate, only to be replaced with boredom. In some cases, it will make sense to spell out a clear reward track, so that players have something to grind towards, as the promise of a specific unlock is compelling. However, implementing a variable ratio for rewards is also impactful, and means that slot machine-style mechanics can apply in other gaming contexts.

The most obvious example of this is rare item drop rates or out-and-out loot box systems, where a legendary item might have a 10% chance of being awarded for each enemy felled or box opened. This methodology can be applied in PC and console games, but for HTML5 games it’s important to take that aforementioned distraction factor into account. Having higher drop rates for rare items is one option, although if the experience has enough visual feedback and juice applied to even a failed attempt, it can still keep players looped in.

Aiming for Time Efficiency

Depending on the project, the final HTML5 game design skill worth developing for reward timing is counteracting the inevitably short session lengths associated with browser-based play. If a player feels they’ve hit a wall, they will close the tab. However, if you introduce a mechanic in which a chest opens in two hours or resources accumulate while they are away, you transform a forgotten browser tab into a destination they will actively return to.

It takes practice and experimentation, but having a handle on reward timing can really make a positive difference in how successful HTML5 game design turns out.

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