Introduction
One day in December 2019 my family was involuntarily signed up for…
Worst. Game. Ever.
An experienced video game developer provides a firsthand analysis of why managing Type 1 diabetes is so horribly punishing… through the neuroscience-based lens of video game design.
Type 1 diabetes strangely takes the best-practices in designing the world's best video games - and inverts them to create the most frustrating and punishing experience possible for the patient and caregiver alike.
Why I Wrote This Blog
This blog serves as my ongoing analysis of this terrible terrible game.
A Prelude: Flappy Bird (Circa 2013)
Have you ever played Flappy Bird? This notoriously punishing game drove a…
Game Installation and Onboarding
The onboarding process for Type 1 diabetes breaks every rule for how…
Retention Mechanics
The retention metrics on “your kid has diabetes” are better than any…
An Introduction to Core Game Loop(s)
The core "loops" of this game absolutely suck. Game Design Background: Core/Inner…
Core Loop #1: The Finger Prick
1 Star The most-frequently played core loop in this game is literally painful.
Purchasable Upgrade #1: Configurable Lancet
The first in-game purchase in this game is only slightly less painful…