Podcast Summary: 【強者我朋友】台灣人世界級愛課金！遊戲如何讓人上癮？糞 Game 有消失的一天嗎？ft.飛鳥涼不涼版主 Sam｜EP 111｜志祺七七Podcast

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: 志祺七七
Guest: Sam, 飛鳥涼不涼版主

In Episode 111 of "強者我朋友 by 志祺七七," host 志祺七七 delves into the pervasive culture of in-game purchases in Taiwan's gaming industry. Titled "台灣人世界級愛課金！遊戲如何讓人上癮？糞 Game 有消失的一天嗎？," the episode explores the factors contributing to gamers' willingness to spend money within games, the psychological mechanisms of game addiction, and the future of low-quality ("糞") games in the market. The episode features an insightful conversation with Sam, the moderator of 飛鳥涼不涼, who brings a unique perspective on these issues.

1. Introduction to Taiwan's In-Game Purchase Culture

The episode begins with an overview of how Taiwanese gamers have become adept at navigating and investing in in-game purchases. 志祺七七 highlights that Taiwan stands out globally for its high engagement in microtransactions, which not only fuels the gaming economy but also shapes game development strategies.

志祺七七 [00:05]: "台灣人在全球範圍內，對遊戲內購的投入是非常顯著的，這不僅影響了遊戲的設計，也反映出我們玩家的消費習慣。"

2. Psychological Factors Behind Game Addiction

Sam joins the discussion to dissect the psychological elements that make games addictive. They explore concepts such as the reward system, variable reinforcement schedules, and the social aspects embedded within multiplayer games that keep players engaged and spending.

Sam [12:45]: "遊戲設計師利用了人類對獎勵的渴望，不斷提供小額獎勵來刺激玩家的不斷投入，這種設計讓人難以自拔。"

3. The Impact of Microtransactions on Game Quality

The conversation shifts to the prevalence of "糞 Game" — games that are perceived as low-quality, often characterized by predatory monetization practices and lackluster gameplay. 志祺七七 and Sam discuss how the demand for continual revenue through microtransactions can compromise game quality, leading to player frustration and potential market saturation of subpar games.

志祺七七 [27:30]: "當開發商過度依賴微交易來盈利時，遊戲的整體質量往往會下降，這不僅傷害了玩家的體驗，也長遠來看對行業是不利的。"

4. Will Low-Quality Games Disappear?

A critical segment focuses on whether the market can self-regulate to phase out low-quality games. Sam provides insights into player advocacy, market competition, and the role of platforms in enforcing quality standards. They debate whether increased player awareness and demand for better experiences will drive developers to improve or abandon harmful monetization strategies.

Sam [35:39]: "市場競爭本身可以是一種篩選機制，如果玩家持續拒絕支持低質量遊戲，那些遊戲將難以生存下去。但這需要整個社群的共同努力。"

5. Strategies for Healthier Gaming Ecosystems

The duo explores potential solutions to foster a healthier gaming environment. Suggestions include transparent pricing models, ethical game design practices, and greater regulation of in-game purchases to protect vulnerable players. They also emphasize the importance of community feedback in guiding developers towards creating more balanced and enjoyable games.

志祺七七 [46:10]: "建立一個更健康的遊戲生態系統，需要開發商、平台以及玩家的共同參與，只有這樣，才能真正改善現狀。"

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, both host and guest reflect on the future trajectory of Taiwan's gaming industry. They express cautious optimism that with increasing awareness and proactive measures, the negative aspects of in-game purchases can be mitigated, leading to a more sustainable and enjoyable gaming landscape.

Sam [52:20]: "雖然現有的問題不容忽視，但只要我們持續關注並推動改變，相信未來的遊戲市場會更加健康和多元。"

Key Takeaways:

• High Engagement in Microtransactions: Taiwan's gaming community is notably active in in-game purchases, influencing both market dynamics and game development.

• Psychological Drivers: Game addiction is facilitated by strategic design elements that leverage human psychology, particularly the reward system.

• Quality vs. Monetization: There is a tension between monetization strategies and game quality, with excessive reliance on microtransactions potentially degrading the player experience.

• Market Self-Regulation: Player advocacy and market competition are crucial in filtering out low-quality games, but this requires collective effort from the community.

• Solutions for Improvement: Transparent practices, ethical design, regulation, and community feedback are essential for fostering a healthier gaming ecosystem.

This episode offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship between gamers' spending habits, game design, and the overall quality of the gaming industry in Taiwan. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, developer, or someone interested in consumer behavior, the insights shared by 志祺七七 and Sam provide valuable perspectives on navigating and improving the modern gaming landscape.