Authority & Merit: The Pitfalls and Merits of Using Someone Else's Name

Authority & Merit: The Pitfalls and Merits of Using Someone Else's Name

In the world of ideas, authority and merit are two essential factors. While authority holds significance, it is important to understand that authority derives naturally from merit, not the other way around. If you have to rely solely on someone else's name or authority to get a point across, it diminishes the merit of your argument. True merit lies in demonstrating your work and proving the validity of your standpoint.

Interestingly, this notion extends beyond the realm of ideas and into various aspects of our lives, including the world of social game development. A former social game developer sheds light on the merits and pitfalls of one of the most controversial aspects of these games - the "gacha" system. This system involves players spending real or in-game currency to obtain virtual items or characters with varying degrees of rarity.

According to a hypothesis proposed by Mr. Toshitaka, a game developer, humans have an innate tendency to derive pleasure from uncertain activities, such as hunting. This hypothesis suggests that humans who experienced pleasure from the 30% success rate of hunting were more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Building upon this idea, gacha systems in games tap into this instinctual pleasure circuit by providing a prepayment of the pleasure associated with a 30% success rate. Essentially, it is a mechanism that monetizes our inherent desire for uncertain rewards.

While social games have their appeal, there is a growing concern that the foundation for innovation and new game models/designs is diminishing within this genre. The development process for social games often revolves around creating a product based on customer reactions. On the other hand, console games tend to embrace a more original and creative approach, positioning creativity and uniqueness as their strengths. The aim is to create a response in players, treating games as a mechanism to elicit specific reactions from human beings. After all, human beings have an inherent inclination to seek pleasure and amusement as part of their daily lives. The joy of growth and the repetitive fun experience are not limited to games but can also be found in various aspects of society.

In essence, games, such as social games, extract and refine the essence of these experiences, condensing them into entertainment. The key difference in the development process between social games and console games lies in the ratio between the intentions of the developers and the responses of the players.

Now, let's delve into some actionable advice based on the insights gained from this discussion:

• 1. Focus on merit rather than authority: When presenting an argument or idea, place emphasis on the merit and evidence behind it. Relying solely on the authority of others weakens the validity of your point.

• 2. Foster innovation: In the realm of game development, it is crucial to maintain a foundation for innovation and new game models/designs. Encourage creativity and uniqueness to create games that stand out from the crowd.

• 3. Understand the human experience: Whether in game development or any other field, it is essential to understand the innate desires and tendencies of human beings. Tap into these instincts to create experiences that resonate and evoke positive responses.

In conclusion, authority and merit are intertwined, but it is important to prioritize merit over authority when presenting ideas. The gacha system in social games serves as an example of how human instincts can be harnessed for monetization. While social games have their appeal, there is a need to ensure that the foundation for innovation and creativity remains strong within the genre. By understanding the human experience and focusing on merit, we can create meaningful and engaging experiences that resonate with players.