Reward scheduling and Stardew Valley

[@alexpinegamedesign]

Wanna emphasise that the language we use to describe "addictive" games as something desirable is deeply flawed (I am guilty of this myself). While Stardew Valley is an absolutely lovely game, in general we should be careful to distinguish engagement from compulsion, and the line between the two - both in effect and in design patterns - can be very blurry indeed. By the way, I'm on the twitters x.com/Alex_Pinetree

[@spacewitch3707]

your channel will blow up eventually man. your content is high quality and well-paced. just need the algorithm to notice you again and people will see everything else you've made

[@just_kespi]

Man only at the end of the video did I realized the luck I had getting this video suggested. I myself had been reflecting about this as well. The thing is everytime I want to close the game a new day begins and I find myself with something to do and wanting to accomplish in order to get something that leaves me needing to do something more next. Dangerously addictive. Impecable writing and explanation just to mention some qualities from this essay. Keep up the good work. PS Sorry if this is bad written this isn't my native language and just commented to help with the interaction

[@cradac]

I found you through a suggestion in the GMTK Digest for this month. Great channel & presentation. Looking forward to your other videos!

[@vrisket771]

super high quality content, love it! I was here before he got big :)

[@Meeptome]

One of the things with stardew is the way the days layout frontloads rewards. Most things update overnight - the only time you save - which means that after you save or when you first get on is when you get most of the shiny new rewards. I think stardew would be much less addictive if it was easy to pause the game in the mid morning slump where you are waiting for the miners guild to open to clear your inventory.

[@roku_mods]

thats true. I cant count how many times I did say "one more day, last one" and when I save, the new day is there and again I end playing that extra day, and loop this

[@artursbumbieris6245]

Amazing, happy to see another video❤

[@Tinybadger]

4:45 The face of Gus is such a focal point. His little smirk steals the show 😅

[@jaydenkang2631]

great vid, can't belive your channel hasn't blown up yet!

[@helenm6754]

Super interesting video, glad it was recommended to me. I've subscribed 😊

[@rotongolo]

Thank you dr.harvey!

[@brendahuang2251]

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing!

[@carriem2115]

epic video my guy

[@TetraTerezi]

thoughts about video games? yes please

[@tiarherr1777]

I love Alex Pine!!!

[@Finnigan28]

Sadly, I purchased Stardew Valley about 5 years ago (together with Celeste and Hollow Knight, 2 of my favorite games of all time) and never got to play it. However, I think that the constant rewarding system you mentioned is something that is similar to the engagement generated in Civilization games. In those games, it's hard to put them down because there's always a new technology about to be discovered, a long waited building, or Wonder about to be completed, or a big attack you've been preparing for many turns. Someone who's played both games could answer me if that feeling is the same.

[@emilijasilabriede9701]

First