The Art of Leadership

Chapter 14. Rainbows and Unicorns

Peggle is a casual game developed by PopCap. Originally released in 2007, the game is memorable because of its absolutely over-the-top level-finishing sequence.

In an explosion of rainbows, fireworks, unicorns, and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” you are generously and emotionally rewarded when you finish a level. As a friend commented, “It is likely the most consistent and unadulterated source of positive feedback you’ll get in your life.”

The gaming industry has spent billions of dollars successfully figuring out how to design and build products that provide Peggle moments—that tap into the parts of your brain that reward specific behavior. Game developers know when to reward you in order to keep you entertained and engaged. Some products and companies do this well, and others are total douchebags about how they choose to reinforce behavior. Regardless, the rules are tried and true and deeply wired into your brain.

And there is absolutely no way they can’t be used for good (or evil) in any product, team, or company.

Moments of Disproportionate Satisfaction

I’ve been thinking about games for a long time, and I believe there are three rules that define a good game:

• I have a continual, healthy sense of progression.

• I am learning and mastering the game via timely and effective feedback.

• I have the impression that I can win.

True story: I wrote versions of this chapter for a good two years. The vastness of the gaming domain paralyzed me each time ...