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What Does Candy Crush Do To Your Brain ?

Discussion in 'Neurology' started by Egyptian Doctor, Dec 21, 2013.

  1. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    Candy Crush Saga, a match-three puzzle video game developed by King, was released on April 12, 2012, for Facebook and on November 14, 2012, for smartphones. By March 2013, it had surpassed FarmVille 2 as the most popular game on Facebook, boasting 46 million average monthly users. The game's addictive nature has both entertained and entrapped players worldwide.

    The Thrill of Candy Crush
    Playing Candy Crush Saga can be an exhilarating experience. The adrenaline rush, quickened pulse, and intense focus contribute to the game's allure. However, this excitement can also lead to problematic habits for some players.

    Financial Impact
    King, the game's developer, earns approximately $670,000 daily from users purchasing extra lives or access to new levels. Players are often blocked from continuing the game after completing certain levels unless they choose to pay, creating a financial incentive to keep playing.

    Stories of Addiction
    Many players have shared their regrets over spending large amounts of money on Candy Crush Saga. For instance, Lexie expressed frustration with her husband's addiction, which cost over $100. Jeanna admitted to spending more than $1,000 on the game, describing it as a significant mistake.

    The Psychology Behind the Addiction
    Technology blog Gamasutra refers to this phenomenon as "fun pain," where reward mechanisms impair a player's ability to make informed choices about spending. According to Professor Sudhir Kale from Bond University, mobile gaming companies use advanced technology to mimic the "appetizing" qualities of poker machines. This involves a combination of "fixed" and "variable" rewards, similar to those used in gambling.

    Prof. Kale explained that only a small percentage of people become addicted to games like Candy Crush Saga. These individuals experience stimulation from the secretion of dopamine in their brains, similar to the effects of recreational drugs like cocaine. However, not everyone who plays becomes addicted, just as not all gamblers become problem gamblers.

    Coping with Addiction
    For those struggling with addiction to Candy Crush Saga, Prof. Kale suggests transferring the addiction to a less harmful activity or seeking professional help if necessary. Recognizing the signs of addiction and taking proactive steps to address it can help prevent further harm.

    Expanding on the Game's Success
    Candy Crush Saga's success can be attributed to its simple yet engaging gameplay, which appeals to a wide audience. The game's levels increase in difficulty, encouraging players to continue playing and improving their skills. Additionally, social features, such as the ability to send and receive lives from friends, enhance the game's appeal and keep players engaged.

    The Role of Microtransactions
    Microtransactions play a significant role in the game's revenue model. Players can purchase boosters, extra moves, and other in-game items to help them progress. These microtransactions are strategically placed to tempt players into spending money, especially when they are close to completing a difficult level.

    The Global Reach of Candy Crush Saga
    Candy Crush Saga has a global player base, with millions of active users across different countries. The game's widespread popularity has made it a cultural phenomenon, with references to the game appearing in various forms of media and entertainment.

    Future of Mobile Gaming
    The success of Candy Crush Saga has influenced the development of other mobile games, with many developers adopting similar reward mechanisms and monetization strategies. The game's impact on the mobile gaming industry is significant, setting a precedent for future game design and marketing.

    Conclusion
    Candy Crush Saga is more than just a game; it's a global phenomenon that has captivated millions of players. While it provides entertainment and enjoyment, it also has the potential to lead to addiction and financial strain for some individuals. Understanding the psychology behind the game's appeal and recognizing the signs of addiction are crucial steps in managing its impact. As the mobile gaming industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Candy Crush Saga's success and challenges will shape the future of game development and player engagement.

    Do you have a Candy Crush addiction? Share your story in the comments below.

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    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 25, 2024
    silvia lopez and Gospodin Seki like this.

  2. yks

    yks Well-Known Member

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  3. nermine sahli

    nermine sahli Famous Member

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    no ! thank God ! im not addicted to candy crush :p
     

  4. Toth Tamas

    Toth Tamas Famous Member

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    No! I think it's waste of time to play that much. You make efforts in a virtual world and you think that you have done something important. Am I wrong?
     

  5. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    I am not addicted to Candy Crush too , and i agree being addicted to such games is waste of time but it is good to play similar thinking games without being addicted to it as it refreshes your mind.
     

  6. nermine sahli

    nermine sahli Famous Member

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    you are totally right !
     

  7. Đurđica Kranjčec

    Đurđica Kranjčec Famous Member

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    I play it on a weekly basis and I think it is great way to both relax and challenge your brain. Personally, I think that it is healthier to play varoius games then watching TV.
     

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  8. Soy Jun Kim

    Soy Jun Kim Active member

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    i'm addicted to candy crush. i feel excited when completed levels. But i don't spent money on it. i completed all levels of this game :D i did it in 6 months :))
     

  9. davidna

    davidna Well-Known Member

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    Med student don't have time to play candy crush saga.

    I don't have time for that.
     

  10. Dr Felicia

    Dr Felicia Famous Member

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    Oh well med students are human also with human activities and at some point all of us have some boring class or some time in which we wanna relax away from books
    But being addict of a game that really is a loose of time and in some cases money......nothing good and productive coming from this addiction
     

  11. Augusto Strapassola

    Augusto Strapassola Young Member

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    I prefer to play chess or a really thinking game
     

  12. Ajhasan

    Ajhasan Well-Known Member

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    No i'm not addicted only 4 fun
     

  13. Ersoz

    Ersoz Young Member

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    I've never played it before. Having Chess or Go addiction is better than this one.
     

  14. Orlando amaya

    Orlando amaya Young Member

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    Yes, the virtual world could be dangerous ! It gives , in many cases, a distorted perception of reality !
     

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  15. Midi

    Midi Well-Known Member

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    I play Candy Crush, nice game, but not addicted. I play another game too..
    I think we should have control to decide when to or not play any game. As a doctor, we don't have much time.
     

  16. MeigaMPL

    MeigaMPL Famous Member

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    I had to leave it in a week, because all I did when I was in bed or talking to someone was seeing combinations of sweets. It's pathological, hope some of my friends realize that!
     

  17. syed adnan alam

    syed adnan alam Well-Known Member

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    Playing only sometimes for fun i think is ok,specially for children but to spend money on it or wasting your energy on it specially when you have something important to do,thats bad!.
     

  18. oyukpabi

    oyukpabi Young Member

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    I play it a lot and I've almost completed all the levels but I've never spent a dime on it #whywouldanyonedothat#
     

  19. silvia lopez

    silvia lopez Young Member

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