Examining the Appeal of FarmVille

[Logan Westbrook]

Examining the Appeal of FarmVille

The rise of social games has been nothing short of meteoric, but what is it about games like FarmVille and its ilk that is so addictive?

You can't move on Facebook without bumping into a social game, and it seems that everywhere you look people are growing crops, raising fish, or even fighting brutal gang wars. But why do social games have this incredible appeal? The answer, explains Wendy Despain in Issue 264 of The Escapist, is a combination of clever design and psychology.

Despain poured hours into different games on Facebook, and was often pleasantly surprised to discover that she was having fun doing things that she had assumed that she wouldn't enjoy.

I had to let go of some of my preconceived ideas ... just because MMOGs hadn't figured out how to make farming fun for me didn't mean that nobody could. FarmVille managed to make the mechanic of waiting for crops to grow into something more interesting than being held hostage by a boring progress bar.

To find out how social games developers have incorporated the wants and needs of people into their game designs, read the rest of Falling Into a Happy Aquarium [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_264/7895-Falling-Into-a-Happy-Aquarium].



Permalink

 

[Digikid]

People love Farmville because they have no lives of their own....so they create a virtual one.

Sad...really really sad.

This is why games like this need to die....NOW.

 

[Waif]

"Falling in a Happy Aquarium" is probably one of the best articles written about online social gaming. One of the many reasons for this is because it involves an author who has taken the time to experience these games first hand. They don't judge a game they have never played, or judge that game from afar. What's really sad is that too many people are quick to judge these games without any basis of doing so or because they think it's popular to do so. Thankfully these people are in the minority.

Articles like these give me hope for The Escapist as a website. It's too bad that the hope I had was tarnished by a recent article about Zynga and Street Racing on The Escapist that was unfair, unprofessional, and not deserving of being placed on The Escapist. Even The Daily Star apologized for not fact checking and admitted they made a mistake. In any event I appreciate the impartial and objective articles on social games in general. At least I know these people are trying their best to give a truly informed opinion. If only more people could learn from them...

Thank you for referring to this article. I really appreciate it.

 

[viranimus]

Hrm.

Social context: Having the ability to connect with friends goes a long way to enhance the enjoyment of a game. If it didnt, you wouldnt have markets for Shooters, MMOs, or XBL/PSN.

Destruction vs creation: In an gaming industry that is oversaturated with different ways to destroy everything and everyone, the prospect of creating something instead of destroying it has its appeal. Regardless of online connectivity, look at the sims games and their own popularity.

Cause lugging around a chain gun in black leather power armor gets old: Not everything can be death, destruction and utter badassery. Every once in a while, even the most cynical and jaded person needs a break from stroking their alterego, and wants to recapture just a glimmer of childlike innocence. While that doesnt ness. mean farmville as there are several outlets to sate this craving, Farmville provides an easy way to do it.

Free is good: Enough said. With games running at 60$ a pop, which tend to yield a month or two of use it makes sense that people like free games as alternative options.

Low maintenance(arguably) this goes along with free. If you get bored with it, you can set it aside for a few months, and quickly get right back into it. Also, it doesnt have to be time consuming, in that with a few clicks every once in a while will keep you going.

Instant gratification: This is the nature of MMOs all together, rewarding goes along way in generating interest. The more you are rewarded for your effort, the more likely you will be interested. I argue that if that sense of instant gratification wasnt present, would WoW or any MMO be anywhere near as popular as they are?

There are plenty more reasons why I can see it gaining popularity. I would never play it myself, but I can see why people would, and where it makes sense to some people. I personally adopt a philosophy as it relates to such things, Dont hate the game, Hate the player. What people tend to dislike about these things, is the obnoxious behaviors and attitudes that are created with such things, like random friend request, obnoxious and pointless status updates, droning on and on about what your doing in it to somebody who doesnt play it, and has no intention to. The game itself isnt to blame for this, its the people who play it who tend to miss how agitating that sort of behavior is.

But hey, thats just my opinion, take it for what its worth.

 

[cobrausn]

People love Farmville because they have no lives of their own....so they create a virtual one.

Sad...really really sad.

This is why games like this need to die....NOW.

There is so much wrong with this statement. Every game you've ever played in is a virtual one. I've bet you've even felt attached to virtual characters.

Besides, what you're saying includes games such as Civilization and Sim City. Hell, Farmville is just SimFarm minus most of the depth. I won't touch the game, but I can see why people would play it.

 

[RatRace123]

I can't really see the appeal, those games seem like a terribly monotonous waste of time. But to the average non-gamer, I guess maybe I could see why someone would like it... maybe.

I have real games that I can play, so I don't need those shitty browser games. I guess it's just more of those "casual gamers" Uh, but these people make Wii-players look dignified.

Can't stop it though, it's a bigger money maker than a cocaine covered stripper.

 

[VondeVon]

I can't really see the appeal, those games seem like a terribly monotonous waste of time. But to the average non-gamer, I guess maybe I could see why someone would like it... maybe.

I have real games that I can play, so I don't need those shitty browser games. I guess it's just more of those "casual gamers" Uh, but these people make Wii-players look dignified.

Can't stop it though, it's a bigger money maker than a cocaine covered stripper.

It's interesting that you say that because I've always thought the exact opposite - "Real" gamers play games. All games. They don't give two pins for what system it's on, or how socially accepted it is (by either gamer culture or non-gamer culture).


They just. Play. Games.


I think to real gamers, the only barrier to the games they play and the platforms they play them *on*, is cost. If they have to choose between a Wii or a PSP because they can't afford both - that's understandable. If they discriminate because one console averages less popular games or graphics or because some games are pick-up-and-play easy, or because web-browser games are too simple, or because the target demographic is too young or old...

To me, THAT is a casual gamer.

(And yeah, I play some facebook games. And web browser games - I shouldn't still be addicted to Robot Unicorn but I am. I also play the Wii (And old SNES, 64 & GC), the PS1 2 &3, 360, PSP, GB/GBA/DS, iPad and PC (retro AND new). I dabble in LANing and MMOs. I even play dinky old Microsoft Solitare.

As for the widely-recognised casino effect of games like Farmville - it's just about self control, the same as any other indulgence.)

 

[Danpascooch]

Saying you like social gaming because it's more convenient and easier to deal with than real gaming is like saying you like paper cups more than cars because you don't have to deal with the pedals. Yes, paper cups are simpler, but no, they are not a substitute for cars.

 

[Danpascooch]

I can't really see the appeal, those games seem like a terribly monotonous waste of time. But to the average non-gamer, I guess maybe I could see why someone would like it... maybe.

I have real games that I can play, so I don't need those shitty browser games. I guess it's just more of those "casual gamers" Uh, but these people make Wii-players look dignified.

Can't stop it though, it's a bigger money maker than a cocaine covered stripper.

It's interesting that you say that because I've always thought the exact opposite - "Real" gamers play games. All games. They don't give two pins for what system it's on, or how socially accepted it is (by either gamer culture or non-gamer culture).


They just. Play. Games.


I think to real gamers, the only barrier to the games they play and the platforms they play them *on*, is cost. If they have to choose between a Wii or a PSP because they can't afford both - that's understandable. If they discriminate because one console averages less popular games or graphics or because some games are pick-up-and-play easy, or because web-browser games are too simple, or because the target demographic is too young or old...

To me, THAT is a casual gamer.

(And yeah, I play some facebook games. And web browser games - I shouldn't still be addicted to Robot Unicorn but I am. I also play the Wii (And old SNES, 64 & GC), the PS1 2 &3, 360, PSP, GB/GBA/DS, iPad and PC (retro AND new). I dabble in LANing and MMOs. I even play dinky old Microsoft Solitare.

As for the widely-recognised casino effect of games like Farmville - it's just about self control, the same as any other indulgence.)

They just. Play. good games.

That I think would be a better statement, the reason people look down on the Wii is not because they all huddled up and said: "DUDE! Let's be elitist, hmmm, what could we frown upon.....? Ooo! The Wii! Yeah that sounds good"

It's because the Wii is seriously lacking in good games, not to say it doesn't have ANY, but the ratio of decent titles to horse-shit shovel-ware is outrageously and unacceptably high.

 

[Eric the Orange]

I don't think it's really necessary to re-link new articles in the news area. It just makes them have 2 comments sections. so for example this article now hos this comments section,

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.221530-Examining-the-Appeal-of-FarmVille

and this one,

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/6.219765-264-Falling-Into-a-Happy-Aquarium

 

[DuplicateValue]

People love Farmville because they have no lives of their own....so they create a virtual one.

Sad...really really sad.

This is why games like this need to die....NOW.

I love Farmville - I now have a lovely little farm and more coins than I can spend.

I also go out with my friends on a frequent basis - just last night I was out with a group of 20 or so people, some good friends, some new ones.

So.......yeah, I think that makes your point invalid.

 

[Digikid]

People love Farmville because they have no lives of their own....so they create a virtual one.

Sad...really really sad.

This is why games like this need to die....NOW.

I love Farmville - I now have a lovely little farm and more coins than I can spend.

I also go out with my friends on a frequent basis - just last night I was out with a group of 20 or so people, some good friends, some new ones.

So.......yeah, I think that makes your point invalid.

Not at all. It just makes you one of the SMARTER ones.

 

[Kalabrikan]

They just. Play. good games.

That I think would be a better statement, the reason people look down on the Wii is not because they all huddled up and said: "DUDE! Let's be elitist, hmmm, what could we frown upon.....? Ooo! The Wii! Yeah that sounds good"

It's because the Wii is seriously lacking in good games, not to say it doesn't have ANY, but the ratio of decent titles to horse-shit shovel-ware is outrageously and unacceptably high.

That's insisting all games can be fitted into quality categories based on some kind of invisible truth that only self-proclaimed true gamers can see. What might not be seen as a good game to one person can be seen as a great game to another. I may not like Farmville because the objective seems to be to collect a mass of coins to buy more land/crops so you can get more coins and buy more land/crops, but I know plenty of people who find planting crops and expanding a virtual farm appealing because they find building for the sake of building fun. They play it for the same reason people build sand castles.

 

[Danpascooch]

They just. Play. good games.

That I think would be a better statement, the reason people look down on the Wii is not because they all huddled up and said: "DUDE! Let's be elitist, hmmm, what could we frown upon.....? Ooo! The Wii! Yeah that sounds good"

It's because the Wii is seriously lacking in good games, not to say it doesn't have ANY, but the ratio of decent titles to horse-shit shovel-ware is outrageously and unacceptably high.

That's insisting all games can be fitted into quality categories based on some kind of invisible truth that only self-proclaimed true gamers can see. What might not be seen as a good game to one person can be seen as a great game to another. I may not like Farmville because the objective seems to be to collect a mass of coins to buy more land/crops so you can get more coins and buy more land/crops, but I know plenty of people who find planting crops and expanding a virtual farm appealing because they find building for the sake of building fun. They play it for the same reason people build sand castles.

Good and bad are opinionated statements, but as you fall toward either of the two extremes, it becomes reasonably acceptable to say something is good or something is bad.

For example:

Zelda: Ocarina of Time is good

E.T. the game is bad

Farmville is bad.

 

[VondeVon]

They just. Play. good games.

That I think would be a better statement, the reason people look down on the Wii is not because they all huddled up and said: "DUDE! Let's be elitist, hmmm, what could we frown upon.....? Ooo! The Wii! Yeah that sounds good"

It's because the Wii is seriously lacking in good games, not to say it doesn't have ANY, but the ratio of decent titles to horse-shit shovel-ware is outrageously and unacceptably high.

I did think about saying 'they just play good games' but then I thought about some of the games I play...

I don't only play AAA titles or Indie wowzas... I enjoy some games that are blasted by reviewers and in turn I can't stand some games that are considered shining examples. 'Good games', like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder, I think.

Ratio of good-to-rubbish games for the Wii made me laugh a bit. I can't blame a console for the games made for it! I just enjoy them for what they have, figuring those games that I don't like are enjoyed by somebody. Like Dora the Explorer or 50cent...

I would be interested in seeing some stats comparing the consoles ratios of 'successful' games vs 'non-successful' though.

 

[Danpascooch]

They just. Play. good games.

That I think would be a better statement, the reason people look down on the Wii is not because they all huddled up and said: "DUDE! Let's be elitist, hmmm, what could we frown upon.....? Ooo! The Wii! Yeah that sounds good"

It's because the Wii is seriously lacking in good games, not to say it doesn't have ANY, but the ratio of decent titles to horse-shit shovel-ware is outrageously and unacceptably high.

I did think about saying 'they just play good games' but then I thought about some of the games I play...

I don't only play AAA titles or Indie wowzas... I enjoy some games that are blasted by reviewers and in turn I can't stand some games that are considered shining examples. 'Good games', like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder, I think.

Ratio of good-to-rubbish games for the Wii made me laugh a bit. I can't blame a console for the games made for it! I just enjoy them for what they have, figuring those games that I don't like are enjoyed by somebody. Like Dora the Explorer or 50cent...

I would be interested in seeing some stats comparing the consoles ratios of 'successful' games vs 'non-successful' though.

I do enjoy the occasional hated game, I love Advent: Rising and it got a metacritic score of 68.

I kind of can blame the console though, because Nintendo makes games, and they haven't had enough good ones to keep my interest, also, the motion control promotes gimmicky gameplay, that was reinforced by Nintendo setting a horrible example for the developers of the Wii by flooding the market with a hundred Wii: Sports clones.

 

[PresidentSteve]

Never played farmville, but it makes me want to get off Facebook for good.

 

[2012 Wont Happen]

Saying you like social gaming because it's more convenient and easier to deal with than real gaming is like saying you like paper cups more than cars because you don't have to deal with the pedals. Yes, paper cups are simpler, but no, they are not a substitute for cars.

No, its more like saying you like paper cups more than nice glasses.

Paper cups will get the job done if you need them, but the nice glasses are better.

 

[Danpascooch]

Saying you like social gaming because it's more convenient and easier to deal with than real gaming is like saying you like paper cups more than cars because you don't have to deal with the pedals. Yes, paper cups are simpler, but no, they are not a substitute for cars.

No, its more like saying you like paper cups more than nice glasses.

Paper cups will get the job done if you need them, but the nice glasses are better.

Yours makes more sense, but mine makes the Wii look worse.

I like mine.