One of the biggest changes to online games has arrived in the form of crash games. These games have taken the online world by storm, offering fast-paced, exciting gameplay and the potential to win. These games all feature similar game mechanics, namely a multiplier that increases during the game, but then, when the game crashes, ends. Players simply have to cash out before the crash occurs. So what makes these games, in particular the hugely popular Aviator so addictive?
Discovering Aviator
Aviator, from Spribe, is one of the most popular crash games out there. It centres around a plane that takes off and keeps flying. The longer and higher the plane flies, the higher the multiplier goes. Players place their bet and then choose when to cash out that bet before the plane crashes. Should they cash out before it crashes, the bet is multiplied by the current multiplier, resulting in a win. But the bet is lost if the plane crashes before the cash-out occurs. And that’s how to play Aviator game.
Why Aviator is so popular
So, what exactly makes this relatively simple game so popular among players? Well, for starters, it’s the simple mechanics that help. The gameplay is an easy one, with simple rules and no complicated parts of the game. Anyone can play it, even newcomers, as there is little to no learning curve required. The game is also luck-based rather than relying on any specific strategy, which lends itself to a fun, quick game session with minimal stress.
The game also offers speedy gameplay. The bets and cash out happen in real-time, allowing players to see their bankroll grow or fall immediately. There’s the potential for significant winnings, too, though, as with all games, luck is the key factor here. It does have a high return to player rate (RTP), which means that there is a chance, over time, to recoup any losses. However, this is always theoretical and never a guarantee, something players would do well to remember.
Where the game really comes to the fore, though, is through the level of uncertainty it offers. The game specifically uses the fact that players have no idea what will happen next to create engagement and excitement. The fact that, at any moment, the plane could crash and all bets are lost gives players an adrenaline rush, which means players simply come back for more. Players essentially sit on tenterhooks to see whether they can beat the game and claim a win.
On top of this, the game is completely random and has variable rewards throughout the game. The unpredictability of the plane’s path is suspenseful in each round. Randomness taps into the brain’s reward system and releases dopamine on a win, which then reinforces the pleasure gained from the win. Alongside this is the illusion of control players have when playing it. While it’s based on chance, players still believe that, given the ability to choose when to cash out, they have control over the outcome. This also makes it more addictive.
The game also offers a social aspect to it. Players can see and interact with each other, which adds to the fun as well as promotes some competition between players. It’s possible to see when other players cash out, the size of their bets, and so on. This can influence the way other players bet and play, increasing the excitement further. Another social aspect is that players can chat to each other and give support. This can encourage continued play as the community rallies together and shares experiences. It means that the game becomes even more appealing to those taking part and often means players play it for longer.
It’s important to note that the Aviator game purposefully capitalises on these elements. Other psychological strategies it employs include loss aversion, which is a cognitive bias where the pain of a loss is greater than the pleasure of winning. Aviator does this by creating options for players to decide between a small win or risk a loss for a bigger one. The fear of losing can mean players make impulsive decisions. Near misses also fuel this, with players coming close to a big win, but ultimately losing. Players are then encouraged to try again, and of course, they do.
