Abstract
This study evaluates a set of best practices intended to encourage players to persist through difficulty by leveraging tools as rewards, and as motivational design elements. Specifically, the researcher examines whether introducing the core challenge earlier in the experience, while framing tools as rewards of facility, can motivate players to engage with and solve the primary gameplay challenge.
Degree Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Myque Ouellete
Second Advisor
Aleshia Hayes
Acknowledgements
The researcher would like to thank their Advisors Professor. Myque Ouellete and Dr. Aleisha Hayes guiding them through this process. They would also like to thank their Parents Andre Johnson and Nytius Johnson for their support. Also, the Researcher wants to give a special thanks to Jamaya Destiny Parker.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Parker, James, "Best Practices: Using Difficulty as a Motivator Through Tools as Rewards" (2026). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 47.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/47
Thesis Defense Slides
