What is "Overjustification Effect"?

The Overjustification Effect in game design refers to a psychological phenomenon where the introduction of external rewards or incentives for an activity that an individual initially finds intrinsically motivating can lead to a subsequent decrease in the person's intrinsic motivation for that activity. In the context of gaming, this effect occurs when the introduction of extrinsic rewards, such as in-game bonuses or achievements, undermines the player's initial enjoyment and inherent interest in playing the game for its own sake.

For example, consider a role-playing game where players are immersed in an engaging storyline, exploring a vast virtual world, and making decisions that impact the narrative. Initially, players find intrinsic motivation in the immersive narrative and the joy of decision-making. However, if the game introduces an extrinsic reward system, such as points or items for completing certain quests, the Overjustification Effect may come into play. Players might start focusing more on achieving these rewards rather than enjoying the narrative for its own sake. The external rewards can inadvertently diminish the intrinsic satisfaction derived from the gameplay, altering the player's motivation from internal enjoyment to external gain.

Game designers need to carefully balance the use of extrinsic rewards to avoid triggering the Overjustification Effect. When implemented thoughtfully, rewards can enhance the gaming experience. However, if not carefully aligned with the core motivations of players, these external incentives may unintentionally undermine the intrinsic joy that the game originally provided.