The document discusses several concepts related to human motivation and engagement. It covers self-determination theory, novelty seeking, creating plans and worlds, pleasure seeking versus pain avoiding, status and competition, and membership. The overall discussion focuses on the secret mechanics that drive human behavior and engagement in games, stories, and creative works.

1. The Secret Mechanics
PAX Prime 2012
Jesse Schell

12. A man should learn to
detect and watch that
gleam of light which
flashes across his mind
from within... Yet he
dismisses without notice
his thought, because it is
his. In every work of
genius we recognize our
own rejected thoughts:
they come back to us with
a certain alienated
majesty.

17. 1) Self-Determination Theory

20. Self-Determination Theory
Competence Autonomy Relatedness
I want to be I want I want to
good at what freedom! connect to
I do! others!

21. 2) Novelty Seeking

23. ?
SOURCE: Journal of Neuroscience 2001;27

26. 3) Plans

28. A plan is a real thing.

30. (Data courtesy EEDAR via Geoff Zatkin)

31. 4) Worlds

34. Transmedia Worlds EXIST APART

35. Transmedia Worlds HAVE MANY GATEWAYS

38. + =

41. Mundanes
vs.
Imagineers

42. Mundane Imagineer

45. WoWoWW

46. 5) Pleasure Seeking…
…Pain Avoiding

47. “Hafta” “Wanna”
Duty Fun
Work Play
Slavery Freedom
Efficiency Pleasure

50. 6) Status

53. Status and Competition
• Source: DanC, Lost Garden Blog, “Testosterone
and Competitive Play”

54. 7) Membership

65. Thanks!
Email: jesse@schellgames.com
Web: jesseschell.com
Twitter: @jesseschell
Slides: slideshare.net/jesseschell