According to data by Statista, more than half of people in the world play games for fun, income, or competition. On average, a gamer can spend more than 1 hour playing a game. For some, they might spend 12 hours playing it. 

Games can be fun, even addicting, considering how many people play them, even more so, the hours spent playing them for fun. The question is, what makes a game fun and addicting?

Why Games Are Fun To Play 

Game Play 

Although the term gameplay doesn't have a definite meaning, generally, it involves the plot, more so, the challenges a gamer must complete in-game to win or complete a game task. Most gamers who love games for specific reasons do so because they enjoy the gameplay. Gameplay is the primary reason most people have fun while playing a game.

Furthermore, gameplay refers to the ways a player interacts with a game. Players love that they get to play online or remotely with other players, either as a team or a competitor.

Sometimes a game's plot is what attracts a gamer to a particular game; they enjoy the story and are eager to see how it pans out, thus the fun they want while they play. 

Competition 

Games are competitive, and it's one main reason why people play them. Even in life, people tend to compete with each other, but when it's a game, and they enjoy the gameplay, it's super fun. Players feel accomplished when they complete game tasks and are atop game leaderboards. 

Some players become bored over time when they play games alone, without any form of competition. But when that game is competitive, they find it fun and hardly get bored playing it, knowing they need to top the leaderboards. 

Story 

A story is an account of imaginary, or real people and events told for entertainment.

A great story can captivate just anyone's attention; when games have a good storyline, players are drawn to them. Gamers love to learn about a game's story as they play it. Most successful games people love to play or play have an excellent storyline. 

Stories are an essential aspect of games, and it captivates gamers. More so, it is among the main reason what makes a game fun for them.

Why Are Games Addictive? 

Video games can be addictive in the same way drugs can be addictive . Here's why: 

Games trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical that reinforces the behavior. Thus, playing video games can be an addictive stimulus. 

Social Interaction

Modern games are mostly multiplayer games and involve a large community of gamers playing them. In multiplayer player games, gamers can easily make friends and become part of a community sharing the same goals and ideals. 

People who aren't involved in communities in the real world but are interested in game communities feel some sense of social interaction - they feel meaningful and important because they effectively relate with people online through gaming. 

Feeling that way makes them fully immersed and involved in games, thus the reason for addiction. People who are fully engaged in; playing games and gaming communities don't just see that behavior as a hobby. Instead, they see it as a way of life and a boost to their self-esteem. Social games are closely related to social media, which is equally addictive. 

The Urge To Be Atop Game Leaderboards 

Some players play games to compete with other players, and they want to be atop the leaderboards. When they do so, it involves lengthy playing hours, which can be addictive, especially for young players. 

Players feel rewarded when they lead game charts and are top-tier competitors. For some players, it's the main reason why they play games. 

Competing in modern games, especially social games, involves much focus and time. When players dedicate too much time to competing, it becomes a habit. They get used to the fact they have to play games at all times to be leaders in game charts. Thus the reason for addiction and what makes a game fun.

Seeking Excess Fun 

Games are fun, which is why they are the most popular form of entertainment. But what happens when a player seeks excess fun from playing games? They become addicted. 

Some games are so fun to play that some players can't just stop playing them, and it leads to hours of gameplay, which can be addicting for some—the thrill of seeking fun at all times when players play games leads to addiction. 

Conclusion 

Playing games is a great way to pass the time and, even more, entertain oneself. Thus the reason why they are so popular. But spending too much time playing games comes at a cost, which can be either good or bad. Either way, limiting gameplay time is as essential as playing games.