Both “addictive elements” and “grind” have layers of nuance to defining them, particularly when it comes to intended game design. I’d argue if you apply the “you know it when you see it” test, neither of those pass for Animal Crossing at least.
Both “addictive elements” and “grind” have layers of nuance to defining them, particularly when it comes to intended game design. I’d argue if you apply the “you know it when you see it” test, neither of those pass for Animal Crossing at least.
I play video-games, albeit relatively sparingly. I like them.
I had to make myself stop playing AC because of both those reasons. The grinding was incredibly boring and taxing but the game was addictive enough to keep me stuck to the controller. I never got much into PvZ but it's certainly addictive.
I never got either impression out of Breath of the Wild or most of the RPGs I like to play (grind? sure, many have that - but as long as the grind is not directly coupled with addictive elements, it's relatively harmless IMO). I never get it out of FIFA (a little on the addictive side but frustrating enough at times that it's usually not a problem for me), I never get either with Mario games. The list goes on but hopefully that clarifies my point a little.