Do Game Bots Dream of Electric Rewards? The universality of intrinsic motivation

Penny Sweetser, Matthew Aitchison

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    The purpose of this paper is to draw together theories, ideas, and observations related to rewards, motivation, and play to develop and question our understanding and practice of designing reward-based systems and technology. Our exploration includes reinforcement, rewards, motivational theory, flow, play, games, gamification, and machine learning. We examine the design and psychology of reward-based systems in society and technology, using gamification and machine learning as case studies. We propose that the problems that exist with reward-based systems in our society are also present and pertinent when designing technology. We suggest that motivation, exploration, and play are not just fundamental to human learning and behaviour, but that they could transcend nature into machine learning. Finally, we question the value and potential harm of the reward-based systems that permeate every aspect of our lives and assert the importance of ethics in the design of all systems and technology.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 15th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2020
    EditorsGeorgios N. Yannakakis, Antonios Liapis, Kyburz Penny, Vanessa Volz, Foaad Khosmood, Phil Lopes
    PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
    ISBN (Electronic)9781450388078
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2020
    Event15th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2020 - Bugibba, Malta
    Duration: 15 Sept 202018 Sept 2020

    Publication series

    NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

    Conference

    Conference15th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2020
    Country/TerritoryMalta
    CityBugibba
    Period15/09/2018/09/20

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