Game Technique #23 for early user engagement
Core Idea: Beginner's Luck creates the feeling that users are uniquely destined or chosen for success by providing early, unexpected rewards or advantages that are typically difficult to obtain, establishing a sense of specialness and destiny.
Key Elements
Implementation Approaches
- Early Rare Rewards: Giving new users uncommon or powerful items
- Example: A game providing a powerful sword to a new player that even veterans find hard to obtain
- Special Access: Offering privileged opportunities to beginners
- Unexpected Success: Creating situations where beginners achieve surprising results
- "Chosen One" Narratives: Framing the user as someone with special destiny
Psychological Impact
- Creates a sense of being "called" to the activity
- Establishes early emotional investment
- Triggers reciprocity and commitment
- Reduces early abandonment
- Provides motivation to continue until the next engagement hook
Enhanced Effectiveness Through Combinations
- Pair with Trophy Shelves (Game Technique #64) to allow users to display their special status
- Add Moats (Game Technique #67) to create eagerness to unlock the full potential of early rewards
- Combine with narrative elements to reinforce the "chosen one" theme
Application Examples
- Games providing powerful items to new players
- Platforms giving early users special badges or status
- Communities offering "founding member" privileges
- Services providing exceptional first-time experiences
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Core Drive 1 - Epic Meaning and Calling (creates sense of destiny)
- Related Drives: Core Drive 6 - Scarcity & Impatience (when early rewards require unlocking)
- See Also: Free Lunch (related technique for creating special status)
References
- Chou, Yu-kai. "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards."
#gamification #onboarding #user_engagement #motivation #rewards
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