Reward Schedule

Last updated on October 11, 2023

also known as:

Classification

Instead of randomly providing rewards, consider implementing a consistent pattern that makes players anticipate and look forward to rewards.
It’s not always about the size and impact of a reward but also about when the reward is received.

There are two types of reward schedules that you can apply:
- Ratio Schedule
  - Fixed Ratio: Rewards are provided after a fixed number of player actions or responses. For example, in Tetris, players are rewarded each time they fill a line.
    - Offers predictability and enables players to expect rewards, integrating them into their strategies.
  - Variable Ratio: Rewards are given after an unpredictable number of player actions or responses. For example, in Monster Hunter World, there is a random chance that a defeated monster drops a rare resource.
    - Generates excitement and serves as a stronger reward.
- Interval Schedule
  - Fixed Interval: Rewards are provided after a predefined amount of time (e.g., in League of Legends, players receive bonus experience and in-game currency once per day for playing). Regardless of how many times the player completes an action within the interval, they receive the reward only once per interval.
  - Variable Interval: Rewards are given after an unpredictable amount of time. As with fixed interval rewards, players only receive the reward once per interval.
Decide which schedule you would like to implement and plan your rewards accordingly.
You can also mix these types based on your preference.

A written plan on paper, in a markdown file, or any other Text format of your choice.
A Document.

When you want to incorporate rewards and plan them to better structure your level.
When you want to keep players engaged with rewards.
When you want to balance risks with rewards.

Game Development Design phase.
Iterative Map Design and Gamespace Prototyping when thinking about where to put the rewards

Useful to have a plan, especially in large levels where structured motivation is needed to keep players engaged.

Pros:

Cons:

Requires a variety of reward types.
Limited to four types, potentially restrictive.
Need to consider different schedules for open-world, storyline-based, online, etc.
Striking a balance between what’s too obvious and what’s too hard for players can be challenging.

Behavior Diagram
Lenses as they define the rewards for a player
Pacing Diagram
Symbols and Visual Language can be used in tandem to define a coherent look for the game

Fixed Ratio Example: In Mario Kart (1992), players are instantly rewarded with power-ups upon hitting one of the rotating dices
Variable Ratio Example: Genshin Impact (2020) implemented a gatcha system called Wishes that drops rare characters and weapons. The drop rate depends on rarity of the item, increasing the player excitements when drawing a rare card.
Fixed Interval Example: A daily bonus is given out in several games.
Variable Interval Example: In a management game, an NPC that is difficult to handle could drop by randomly. Upon succeeding in managing the client, the player might receive a special bonus. There will only be one difficult client per interval.