The Psychology Behind Difficult Video Games

Are we determined or subconsciously masochistic?

Video games have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the 1970s. Today, they are a multi-billion-dollar industry with a wide range of genres, styles, and levels of difficulty. While casual and easygoing games like Minecraft, Fall Guys, and Party Animals dominate the market for its simplicity, their extremely challenging and difficult counterparts are on the rise within the mainstream.

But why are difficult video games so appealing? What is it about the struggle and the frustration that keeps players coming back for more? In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind difficult video games and uncover the reasons behind their enduring popularity.

Defining Difficulty

When we ask ourselves, ‘what makes a video game difficult?’ there are a number of gameplay features, mechanics, and designs that can be defined as the characteristic of a difficult video game. However, it is not that simple, as difficult video games are characterized by a combination of specific elements.

From demanding precise control to giving players next to nothing resources and instructions to facing bosses that can kill them in one hit, these games are designed where even small mistakes can…