If this is considered a dark pattern, you could consider almost anything that makes a game enjoyable to be a dark pattern. Because, y'know, a really enjoyable game might make you think about it at other times! You might even feel like going back to the game and playing it, because you enjoy it so much!

"Wow, the controls in this game are really tight, it feels amazing to play...nice try, Miyamoto, you won't get me this time!" *chucks Switch out the window*

Like Tetris is so "bad" about this, it has a syndrome named after it. Where people see how to Tetris things together outside of the game and/or have dreams about it after playing it so much.

Such a terrible game. Should never have been created. /s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_effect

I think there is a more genuine take. The bell is not what makes TF2 enjoyable. The fact that GP is thinking about the bell instead of his game session brings into question whether or not it's a dark pattern.

Hard disagree. I mean, it's only one tiny part of the game, but sound design is a big part of what makes weapons feel 'chunky' or powerful or satisfying, and it sounds like this is similar. With the other part being that the distinct sound is useful from a gameplay transparency perspective, it means players are very aware when their shots land or not.

I played a lot of Overwatch for a while, and it had some similar sound design IIRC.

I agree that sounds and details play an important part of the game and there are sounds that are quite famous (Mario). I am merely saying that it not u reasonable to be question whether or not sounds can be a dark pattern. I didn't draw any conclusions myself.

> I didn't draw any conclusions myself.

Yes, you did:

> The bell is not what makes TF2 enjoyable.

But yeah I otherwise agree.

I recall having to quit Illyriad [1] because the PvP politicking was so intense it was undermining my ability to function IRL. That's pretty common in that game.

There's a couple of bona-fide dark patterns in that game, but the developers definitely tilt towards serious gaming, and overall the game is the opposite of cow-clicker addictive patterns.

[1]: https://elgea.illyriad.co.uk

When I was a kid, I played bomberman too much with some friends one summer.

Going to sleep, I had the levels blinking through my eyes for 20 minutes before my mind could finally find some rest.

Happened to me with both Bejewelled and Candy Crush. I went to sleep with jewels and candies moving around and matching up. That’s where I drew the line.

Happened to me with FIFA in college. I could see balls passing and common patterns of crosses/attacks/corners playing on the back of my eyelids. I realized I had drilled the football patterns into my neurons.

This has happened to me with Roller Coaster Tycoon (laying out the paths in particular), and for a non-digital example, jigsaw puzzles.

I also have Minecraft dreams if I've been playing a lot.

That's not really considered a dark pattern, seems like an auditory "tetris effect"

Blizzard one-upped them by playing a reversed and tweaked sound of opening a beer on hitting the enemy.

I believe thats an option to disable, but it's just too helpful to not have.

Unless they've changed it, the default is that it's off.