Sustainability in Social Network GamesHow to create flourishing social ecosystems

Four Kinds of Mechanics to Make Players:

See it Get it Need itKeep it

Chelsea HoweDirector of Design :: Social Chocolate

Get itSee it Need it Keep it

See It:Virality & Visibility Mechanics

See It:Virality & Visibility Mechanics

Why?• Increase DAU/MAU

• Acquire new users• Nudge current users

• …Ask a marketer

What?• Wall Posts• Facebook Requests• Fan Pages• Promo Bars• Neighbor Gates

Get itSee it Need it Keep it

Get It:Blissful Productivity Mechanics

Get It:Blissful Productivity Mechanics

Why?• Hook users• Establish fun, catchy core ux• System of achievement/reward

What?• Rewarding, bite-sized, grok-able activities• “The Core Mechanic”

• Plow - Plant - Harvest• Chop Wood - Collect Doobers• Generate Happiness - Increase Population

Get itSee it Need it Keep it

Need It:Open Loop & Appointment Mechanics

Need It:Open Loop & Appointment Mechanics

Why?• Increase engagement• Increase short-term retention• Maintain mental presence

What?• Timed Return • Friend Dependent Progress• Energy Systems• Daily Rewards

Get itSee it Need it Keep it

Keep It:Long term & Eldergame Mechanics

Keep It:Long term & Eldergame Mechanics

Why?• Extend users’ lifecycles• Increase long term retention• Develop rich communities

What?• Aspirational Goals• Emergent Gameplay• Global/Community/Team Gameplay

Thanks!http://slideshare.com/manojalpa

Check out Social Chocolate:

www.socialchocolate.com

Stay in Touch:@manojalpa

chelsea@socialchocolate.com