How COD Hacks your Brain

Do you think Call of Duty is doing anything wrong with the way it uses these methods to get your addicted to the game? Let me know in the comments!
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[@ashyystorage9617]

one thing that I realized in past 5 years and since I've grown older is that cod or any other “competitive” game will not pay my bills and that at the end of the day its just a game and I shouldnt give it that much attention and spend countless hours grinding to get “better” or unlock some dumb purple camo that I will hate in one week, my life isnt infinite and I should spend time on more significant things rather than giving these multi billion coropations my money

[@Jeroen3774]

They added couple more with MWIII: - Daily challenges to unlock perks/killstreaks - Weekly challenges to unlock aftermarket parts. And the last one they added is the biometric scanner on Rebirth Island. You have to use it on 27 seperate days to unlock a room with better loot.

[@TALLGRASS6676]

isnt the biometric scanner to get cards and exchange for money?

[@UhmPrada]

⁠​⁠@@TALLGRASS6676yes and the room

[@hickmondo8334]

Daily challenges can also unlock guns and attachments not just perks and killstreaks

[@redratpetrax]

Ye Im grinder.. Get Season in 1 weak ready.. Then griding Weakly chelenges .Ranked and al this SHT.. Hipnotised by this STUFF.. And Game is Broken Only Meta weapons Win..:(

[@TALLGRASS6676]

@@redratpetrax but u enjoyed it didnt you?

[@barryparker4923]

I totally agree with everything you said in this video and only now play when i feel like it for enjoyment rather than the grind i did in previous games

[@BEASTIE51]

GP, you never cease to amaze with your insights. I love the sociological aspect to todays vid. First, I agree with everything you said. I've been camo grinding since I picked up my first paint can in Blackout, and the comment most said in my gaming friend group is "what are you grinding for tonight?". I think your conclusion was spot on, not vilifying the practice but instead pointing out that FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) shouldn't be the reason that you don't switch up games for a bit or take a break all together. When considering your 5 points, I actually appreciated the COD franchise more from the fact that they have created a multi-layered grinding experience which I think comes from so many years of development, always adding and rarely subtracting. But what we have (for our entertainment) is a true Swiss Army Knife product. 10+ ways to MP, 10+ ways to battle royale, and a zombie experience that took me from a person who avoided the cemetery and nuke town island in Blackout like the plague to a person who loves tier 3 bounty contracts. Since I never spend cash beyond the initial $60 purchase price, I do feel it's one of my cheaper forms of entertainment that scratches the same itch as watching a good movie or playing poker with my buddies. I do love the social aspect of the game as I can connect with friends multiple times a week without leaving home. Since we are all in our 40's w wives and kids that is very helpful, some of our kids are also playing with us at times. But I also understand that I may not be the same demographic as the average player and there are people who let the allure suck them in to spending too much time or money on the nonsense. I think of that every time I open up one of the "free" bundles in the store for something worthless. Or when I try to save the borealis camo on a gun build and it won't let me. *eye roll* I will say that COD has brought one other enjoyment though in the form of KZbin creators as I've found yourself and several others that I enjoy to follow. Watching extremely good game play, solving easter eggs, or funny clips has been a related source of enjoyment that has to be linked back to COD, at least for me. Sorry for such a long response but you got me thinking so hard I actually started making notes during your vid LOL Thank you for making me think about something interesting today!

[@ghastly6734]

It's the head shot audio cue that gets me. I was talking about this exact thing recently. It's extremely addictive.

[@davidscott9175]

Substance abuse and process addiction counselor (and recovering COD player!). I stumbled across your channel and this video. It is spot on and captures things casual players (children, but also adults) likely don't consider. Good stuff!

[@Slayer_of_Bacon]

holy snit your last 2 minutes nailed why Cheaters rule.......... Top man , mental health for gamers.

[@Slayer_of_Bacon]

Excellent video mate, I totally agree, I've never spent a penny of my own money and never will, I've complained to them and reported cheats (and been given COD points) but they won't get a penny in a micro transaction from me. Well said Sir, keep it up.

[@iamchucky661]

Eomm is no longer a conspiracy it has now been shown in writing by activison that eomm is used in cod

[@gourdbox]

Back in the day when you could either join matchmaking OR just go to a list of servers, we could control being in/out of the algorithm. This is no different than when Netflix removed the ability to just f’king BROWSE the library. Congrats yall, we are pawns in each others algorithms.

[@MURDASHOW]

great fxckin video

[@lewis-mindscrambler987]

really liking these psychological deep dives... now that we aren't getting good puzzles to solve

[@flippakitten]

There's another far more sinister loop, metas. I stopped warzone because it was pretty clear it's a cash grab. Every single thing is designed around engagement. Not sure if I'll even come back. The more I'm away, the clearer it is what it's all about. Your time and money, you're not allowed do anything else just cod.

[@EL-_-DIABLO]

I dunno about you but I’ve finished everything and still manage to play other games

[@kagome6647]

NOT ME 😂 I get on the game look at the menu and literally say "If I've been here for this long, then its clearly not my day to play" and that's a normal occurrence with me

[@TheDevilishFiend]

Enjoying these videos GP. Keep 'em coming. The magic circle must hate you :)

[@PhiLLyPhiLLz]

They actually have a patent on their algorithm to optimize more play time from players. I also get more bot lobbies when I buy something from the store as opposed to not buying.

[@WistfulSum]

So happy that I still try to enjoy this franchise, by playing the older games and enjoying the passion that came from them :D

[@SapperRJMorgan]

I proudly haven’t spent a dime on this game or bought a single skin.

[@GeekyPastimes]

Good for you, but your time is valuable too!

[@patrickfallis6319]

Superb video geeky! One of your best yet imo. I particularly agree with your last point and there is a powerful message here.

[@jamesfilek4574]

Spot on, very well stated! This is exactly why I'm a member of your channel. A game just being fun to play doesn't sound sexy on a business plan.

[@GeekyPastimes]

The need for constant growth is crazy, would be nice if they could just make 'enough' money

[@Oceanviewcoffeeshop]

I've spent so much money on bundles but COD is cheaper than a therapist😂

[@MOB_JD]

For me I need a therapist after trying to play rigged cod 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@reapersasmr5483]

​@@MOB_JD agreed I am worse off after playing this horrible mess

[@vTxnto]

Get a motorcycle. Best therapy.

[@streetsharksbedfordpoint6.933]

Mw3 bundles are pure trash 🗑️

[@tyronedavis6948]

I got so many packs I can’t imagine not playing now lol

[@buffalopanic]

Great video. I have come to the realization that I spend way to much time grinding for things I'll never use.

[@k.v.a.2041]

I'm playing for the camo and event rewards. Anything you can unlock really, so I'd also play Ranked for the loading screen, camo,... And as you said, once you get the reward, there's nothing special about it. I got the first nuke skin from a really good player that helped me get it. But now that I got, I don't even use it. I know that by the time I've unlocked the event rewards they put up every two weeks, I've finished my BP. My friend plays for wins, he doesn't bother with the camo's. He wants to get 30 wins in a season for the nuke challenge.

[@Ucantseeme789]

100% agreed I'm literally hindering my success playing these games and I can't keep wasting my time.

[@gourdbox]

DMZ DMZ DMZ DMZ compulsion go brrrrrrrr

[@vTxnto]

One pro about the BP is that once you purchase one, you get the rest of them practically free with the cod points you earned-that's if you don't spend them in the in-game shop. But besides that, honestly, it's a smack to the face. Purchasing content just to have to grind it out to receive it. Like a locked door that leads to a vault door.

[@GeekyPastimes]

But they're still not really 'free', to get the next one you have to spend dozens of hours in the game again, if you don't you'll have to buy the next one. It's a good way of making you pay in time (unless you were going to play anyway. Then it is free)

[@vTxnto]

@GeekyPastimes Right, but by default, it stands to be free considering you don't have to spend another $30 USD to purchase the next pass. I'm not in any way defending the idea. At the end of the day, it's a corporate strategy to harvest more income. It's up to the players whether they choose to reside in the idea or avoid the idea by abandoning the franchise and investing in other games.

[@redratpetrax]

colosal explanaition.100 % true.

[@Ucantseeme789]

Its crazy because I got all camos in the game and after I found no point in playing at all the game isn't that fun and doesn't feel the same but guess what they added a prestige mastery which is pretty much trying to get people to play to unlock some cool temporary skin. i don't play cod as much at all I got into Helldivers so I am having some fun with a dev team that actually cares and is humble honest about their updates.

[@Gab3S0lan0]

So what your saying is the next real COD zombies are the playerbase 😂😂😂

[@CaydeSki]

I have that “empty feeling every year with COD. Last one I enjoyed was the original MW2. I took the Vanguard year off and didn’t miss it. Have felt duped by the new MW3 and will skip BO5. That is mental health decision because a) Touching grass is nice and b) My previous BO community experience is toxic players.

[@GeekyPastimes]

I think taking a break is a great thing, I just get into the hype every year

[@FluffyRabbit45]

Hi my name is Rabbit and I have a COD addiction xD

[@MrSimulationGames]

lmao Same here homie , same here.

[@youryella]

Hi, Rabbit.

[@FabianStPinoy]

Feels better to be rewarded in real life to be honest.

[@heavydynamics8128]

I got addicted to the stock market 😂 I play call of duty for an 1 hour or so throughout the month. 👍 I can't relate to the people who play hours and hours.

[@everaldrhoden5549]

I LOVE THE LADY WITH ALL THEM LIGHTS ON......lol. The cost of being home entertained mate. The thing that really gets me is as a new guy (noob) why can't I get access to the old battle pass skins.... crap I'll pay for them, since I'm paying for everything else.

[@GeekyPastimes]

it's crazy that they take the battle passes away. Just to give you FOMO I guess

[@MrSimulationGames]

Blackcell also comes with cooler skins , death effects and i swear they hit a little harder behind the scenes. feels like a pay to win edge for those that fork out the extra $...

[@czechplastik]

I paid for blackcell once, I was still a bot.

[@Izzy267NZ]

The only ganes ive ever bought piintless cosmetics for a ghosts of tabor to support the devs because the game is still in development by a small team and the game is fun asf , i like playong mw3 for killing people and getting streaks and using score streaks its satisfying

[@EM-dg2tm]

Should add compulsion loops to education

[@GeekyPastimes]

We do! Rewards and punishments are used a lot, the difficulty is making the students care about them

[@zjsz4954]

1:50 I would argue *especially* call of duty

[@urbout2lose]

When you first start you get bot lobbies and after you get better after some time you get put in the next skill bracket the game will let you get hooked i have 3 accounts and my main account lobbies are insufferable my smurf still get sweaty lobbies but i get an occasional bot lobby it feels how my main was when i first started warzone 3 and got use to the movement

[@Jayf0459]

Well, this definitely helped me quit warzone mobile. Great video!

[@badreedinebedro]

I honestly I was going to play warzon because it’s relastic but after adding these operators like superhero’s and anime characters don’t want to download this game anymore

[@ISeeDeadGamers]

I play 1-4 games Win or lose.it's time to move on with my Day.

[@MaklerGames115]

FAX MEN this is why Im not doing new 150k grind!. Never buy bundels only play when I enjoy things that make me happy not grind zone

[@buster7979]

Great video. Scary when u think about it!

[@GeekyPastimes]

It really is, like I'm guilty of everything I talked about in this video. Makes me want to just stop playing games sometimes

[@buster7979]

Ive deleted mw3/wz this week. I’ve done the full camo grind and am max level on wz but burnt out. Playing halo for a while but plan to come back if/when verdansk returns!

[@Madjock54]

Am just bored of warzone now great video buy the way a play the odd game now on MP but way to many cheats and cant handle having to play so many PC players

[@buster7979]

Yeah it’s BS that on XBOX that you can’t ditch pc. I’m in ps5 and turning cross play off is the only way to play it but it’s crap you can’t console only cross play so Xbox and ps can play together without pc

[@vega7865]

Yep im a camo guy, I love the pain of using bad guns, meta guns bore me tho lol

[@fatalfox13]

I don’t buy bundles only on black ops games because they have way better cosmetics

[@jasonsolano8337]

You realize they released some information on thier EOMM recently talking to the community on Twitter right?

[@DhallowMC]

It’s not a conspiracy it’s literally in the patten’s🤦🏾😭

[@GeekyPastimes]

I think you mean patents, but a company having a patent for something doesn't mean they use it in every product, plus EOMM was set out in a study (not a patent), with EA, not Activision. All the 'Activision said they use EOMM from their patents' is just people either not understanding what they read, or willfully misunderstanding it, and ignoring Activision clearly saying they're not using those patents in Call of Duty. They even did a full detailed explanation of how COD matchmaking works and they made it clear it's mostly focused on latency and matchmaking time. Even if you just think about it for a while, it doesn't make sense that they could use EOMM to 'gift' you a win or stop you from winning, there's too many players in a BR game, every time one person wins, at least 40 people lose, the maths just doesn't work for it to do what some people claim it does.

[@Adizzle235]

​@@GeekyPastimes First off, EOMM is used in CoD, its utterly bizarre to me that you would think otherwise. Even more bizarre, you speak about this like you are the "end all be all" and know everything there is to know about CoD matchmaking and on top of all that, all the psychology that goes behind it. "They even did a full detailed explanation of how COD matchmaking works" - This statement right here is quite infuriating and really sets the tone for how much I trust you going forward. Just to let you know, they DID NOT do a FULL DETAILED explanation of the matchmaking. They at best, did an overview. It's quite clear they got lawyers to write it. But that's standard, right? It directly says in the matchmaking explanation, "Let’s get more technical on a few of these factors" They do not go into detail on all the factors as there is 8. "Game data indicates that having some limitations on the disparity of skill across the players in a match makes for a healthier ecosystem. We also understand that many high skill players want more variety of experience, but often feel like they only get the “sweatiest” of lobbies. We have heard this feedback clearly and will continue to test and actively explore ways to mitigate this concern." "Our data on player outcomes clearly indicates that the inclusion of skill in Call of Duty’s Multiplayer matchmaking process (as it currently stands) increases the variety of outcomes experienced by players of all skill levels. In other words, all players (regardless of skill level) are more likely to experience wins and losses more proportionately." "******Our data shows that when lower skill players are consistently on the losing end, they are likely to quit matches in progress or stop playing altogether. This has an effect on the player pool******. A smaller player pool means wait times for matches increase and connections may not be as strong as they should be. This can compound over time to create a spiral effect. Eventually, when only high-skilled players remain because lower skilled players have quit out of frustration, the result is an ecosystem that is worse overall for everyone." "Skill is implemented across the video game industry, and we recognize that continuous refinement is required to deliver the best possible experience for our players." This is proof of EOMM. If wanting to keep players playing the game isn't ENGAEMENT, then what is it?

[@Adizzle235]

@@GeekyPastimes First off, EOMM is utilized within CoD & almost all FPS games. It's bizarre that you would think otherwise. Even more bizarre, you speak about this topic like you are the "end all be all" to the CoD matchmaking system. On top of all that, you claim to know all the phycology behind it. "They even did a full detailed explanation of how COD matchmaking works" - This statement is quite infuriating and really sets the tone for the amount of trust I give you going forward. It directly says in the matchmaking explanation, "Lets get more technical on a few of these factors" - There are 8 factors, they go into detail on 3. "The next white paper in the matchmaking series will detail the role skill plays in the process." FYI, They DID NOT do a "FULL DETAILED" explanation of the matchmaking. They, at best, did an overview. It's quite clear that the legal team wrote it. You know this, right? If I directly copy-paste quotes from that matchmaking explanation to YT my comment will be deleted as my first one is already gone. You don't have to wonder why. The section under "Measuring Skill for Matchmaking" directly proves the existence of EOMM. If having a matchmaking system that actively wants to keep players playing isn't ENGAMENT, then what is it?

[@Adizzle235]

@@GeekyPastimes why do my detailed explanations of EOMM get deleted? I've tried to comment to this reply 3 times. All deleted. "they even did a full detailed explanation of how COD matchmaking works" This statement is quite infuriating and is straight up a lie. Why say this? I cannot copy paste anything, but they say they will be coming out with more information soon. June 2024, Late Summer 2024 Fall 2024. The way you speak about this is alarming to say the least.

[@Adizzle235]

There's direct proof of EOMM within the matchmaking explanation. You cannot copy paste anything or it will be deleted.

[@codishotwell150]

You nailed it on the cheating part cheating is all time high because of SBMM pings connection Especially for solo players always going up against a team of 6 While you're team plays nothing like the enemy The better you do the more cheaters you're gonna run into which leave to them cheating later on as well and streamers given False advertisement 2 boxing SBMM is the cause of this mess wore than the cheaters Rig system It's been proven BO2 No SBMM just ping is king Matchmaking 3 to over 5 million players nonstop Xbox 360 alone For a long time

[@GeekyPastimes]

BO2 had SBMM, it was confirmed by the person who coded it.

[@antoniopimpao9996]

I think that a video game is made to feel enjoyable for yourself. I have the all the mastery camos and everything but I feel I’m not addicted because I can leave and play other game easily or pass by one week without playing it. The thing is, playing a game without achievements its like playing without a brain, just point and shoot is boring. That’s why we play video games, it’s an hobby. My point here is that this is just a video game! It’s not that serious! Just enjoy whatever the game you like the most.

[@jeremybaker6167]

Well said, sir !

[@byronnnn4x]

Camo grind is my addition 😅

[@GregSzlowieniec]

Play Baldurs Gate 3 to get what the video games supposed to (and used to) be. For FPS try Insurgency Sandstorm, for that no trickery devs approach.

[@valdrax200]

I am 41, i play cod from way back, never have i spent a penny in store, i like playing the game and not about skins

[@boraz32]

U r so right

[@iJobama]

I bought the battle pass with real money in Season 1 of MW2019 then had every single battle pass for free since and built a nice bank of extra cod points. Which is the best way to do it. I just laugh at the people buying blackcell, i'll even pick up their guns just to backfire them in multiplayer for fun. Couldn't imagine paying £25 a season for a game with a 1 year content life cycle, ontop of the price of the game. I'll never understand why they took prestige out for a seasonal level cap, it just doesn't make sense if they want people to play like they used to 10+ years ago

[@redacted_vombat5742]

Gamers are possibly the most gullible consumer based ever 😂 it's quite sad yet funny at the same time

[@Colton-bz8cr]

Can you do a video why people are hacking in videos game's? Thanks.

[@GeekyPastimes]

Because they like to win but winning is hard because the skill gap is so big in most modern games

[@Colton-bz8cr]

I think that's a small part of it if I'm being honest. Like you said in the video.. This game has a lot of stimulation of dopamine, and that the satisfying sounds of hit markers, teamwipes that you get while playing. So if think about it with all of that. Wouldn't it be on another level if someone is hacking? I was watching a psychologist on how to break game addiction.. He stated that game have showed in video games can double dopamin normal resting amount comparatively, dru*s like coc etc. That being said.. Wouldn't that be far beyond stimulation of the brain, and which ties into addiction behavior? I just think that there's a wide variety of reasons, and you can go far more into detail with it on the topic if you wanted to. Thank you for your time.

[@Gab3S0lan0]

So when people are DDOSing people all the time, why wouldn't you use a VPN if you can afford one? I see more benefits in not getting hacked than easier lobbies. To be honest idc of my lobbies are harder or easier as long as i can play safely

[@algeone]

I got all the mastery Camos shipment was my friend and zombies

[@georgereston]

So, a truly great game would be one that no one wants to spend time playing? 🤔

[@GeekyPastimes]

No it would be one that you're playing for the enjoyment of playing it, not for the idea that you'll get a reward at some point

[@georgereston]

@@GeekyPastimes Nothing wrong with rewards. It's not like players are being forced to grind for them. Ppl would complain even more than they do now if there was nothing to grind for (no progression). IMO, zombies is suffering from a lack of rewards (Acts, missions, contracts, etc.). You're right about the skins. The store jumped the shark a long time ago. 🤣

[@badlilmama4ttv]

No it’s a way to escape reality an fun with friends it helps me get rid of my anger an I only but the game boy bundles nothing

[@GamerzGroundz187]

Making money is the goal of call of duty anymore honestly... people will buy passes,bundles,dlc...when people buy a glove for 80 dollars then it's obvious Activision has us in there pocket..... literally 😄

[@streetsharksbedfordpoint6.933]

WORSE c.o.d skins ever are in mw3 😅

[@ps3dropzone187]

If I ever decide to get back on call of duty I will definitely be buying cheats and definitely be buying unlock tool just so I can have everything it's in the f****** store without paying them bastards again for it considering they f****** stole everything from me

[@PickleRick_1990]

This video is absolutely amazing bro.

[@GeekyPastimes]

Glad you think so!

[@Hungry4Herb]

Damn

[@icodxslayeri8943]

You're making me want to play but before I play You're making me want to Research a few things before I continue so I can stop my rage spree Because I always Always feel this urge to want to Kill someone I feel like the reason why they didn't want kids playing GTA at a young age because they were afraid of them Doing what they see like some stories have been told and have actually happened but still I'm A Rage Freak when I die A lot I threaten I beat myself break my Things out of an Obliterate rage Fit and My friend even I argue with him After every failed match because My heart is racing in tight situations Trying to Go for the 30 wins in Warzone I know it's not gonna happen But I still do it for fun I'm not too worried about grinding but It just feels nice to perform a Game Fluently And win right? But My skill feels so Incomplete or it feels So Outmatched I hit all my shots but I run into multiple people on my own and I feel so slow all of the time I have a buddy that sees me hitting my shots but my movement Makes me angry It's so annoying When everything starts bugging or latency kicks in out of nowhere or I just Maybe Missed a snipe like 10 times When I'm shooting at them and some kind of invisible barrier Is there I'm hitting instead of them It's like a million Multiple Little Bullets of problems I face in every single game adds up It would revive my grandma and kill her again from the stress I live in Every free to play Battle royale Or Free to okay title in general

[@DanPep-ln3bv]

They literally released the patent to the net code with the EOMM and SBMM in the game 😂 lol try again mate

[@GeekyPastimes]

I would love to see this patent that shows EOMM and SBMM in Call of Duty. Not sure you can send links here but feel free to send it over on Twitter!

[@cochese1878]

What is a fing?

[@GeekyPastimes]

Weird, people normally understand words from context despite the different ways people pronounce them. Ah well, maybe you'll learn how in the future! (I get the US education system puts loads of importance on how to pronounce the 'th' a certain way, but it really doesn't matter except to people who want to feel superior)

[@TheDBZ_KING7_Official]

@@GeekyPastimes Bold of you to assume they're from the US.

[@GeekyPastimes]

@@TheDBZ_KING7_Official is it? US schools teach that it's a big deal, UK schools don't, because it isn't.

[@michaelespeland]

@@TheDBZ_KING7_Official Is it though?

[@TheDBZ_KING7_Official]

@@GeekyPastimes You're assuming they're an english speaker and thus perpetuating hate against a group of people. For all you know, they aren't a native English speaker.

[@LE4DB4TH]

Lol, long winded explanation for what a game is.

[@GeekyPastimes]

Didn't feel this way at all about Last of Us Part 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Titanfall 2, Disco Elysium, Rollercoaster Tycoon 2, Civilisation, God of War 2019, Spiderman etc. You know, all those great, critically acclaimed games that people think of as their favourite games of all time. It's just the current trend for Games as Service.

[@hickmondo8334]

Your just as bad by buying store bundles

[@GeekyPastimes]

They give me cod points for free, I don't mind using them instead of just having them sitting in my account

[@hickmondo8334]

@@GeekyPastimes thats fair if there free my bad man🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SapperRJMorgan]

While I love your videos I cringe everytime I hear an F where a TH should be. It’s kinda painful TBH.

[@GeekyPastimes]

I know the feeling. I cringe whenever I think of someone going to the effort to leave a comment pointing out to a stranger that they pronounce a sound a way you don't like, even though the stranger obviously already knows.

[@markslade8407]

Me and my friends win almost every game of warzone and my friend actually does drop 12 -20 kills a game and I have the wubz and friends skin too 😂 the most we have caught in a day was 7 dubs if I spend money on something I already know it’s gonna come back to me I don’t see what the problem is 🤷🏿‍♂️