How I Designed a Game That Feels Like Winning Before You Even Play

I’ve always believed that great game design isn’t about tricking players—it’s about guiding them. As a 32-year-old game designer from London with an MSc in Computer Science from Imperial College and roots in both British and Chinese culture, I approach every project like a meditation: clear mind, open heart.

When designing ‘Super 8S’, my goal wasn’t just to create another gambling-style app—it was to build something that feels rewarding even before you win.

The Illusion of Control Is Real (And It’s Meant To Be)

In behavioral economics, we call it the ‘near-miss effect’. It’s why slot machines make you feel like you were so close. But here’s the twist: instead of exploiting it blindly, we used it intentionally—but ethically.

We built features like dynamic odds and multiple reward wheels not to manipulate emotions, but to give players agency. When someone chooses an extra number or triggers a challenge round, they feel active—not passive. That shift changes everything.

Transparency as Trust: The Hidden Engine of Engagement

One thing many platforms hide? The real win rate. We don’t hide it—we display it proudly: 90%–95% across core games. Not because we’re trying to be flashy—but because trust is the ultimate reward.

I studied data from thousands of player sessions at Cambridge University’s Behavioral Insights Lab before finalizing our math model. We found that when people know they have a statistical edge—even if small—they stay longer… and play more thoughtfully.

Designing for Balance: Risk Tiers Are Not Just Numbers—They’re Stories

You’ll notice three main risk levels in Super 8S: stable (low), adventurous (medium), and elite (high). These aren’t arbitrary labels—they’re psychological anchors.

The stable mode? For those who want consistency—like sprinters training on grass fields. High-risk mode? For those chasing the thunderclap moment—the one where everything aligns.

I once designed an experiment where identical gameplay was labeled differently: one version called ‘High Risk’, another called ‘Elite Challenge’. Players reacted differently—even though the odds were identical. This is where psychology becomes code.

The Role of Rituals: Why “Battle Flame” Isn’t Just Marketing

Every feature has meaning. The ‘Battle Flame Limit’ isn’t just a budget cap—it’s a digital mindfulness tool inspired by Zen practice. Set your limit once—and let your brain rest from decision fatigue.

I meditate daily using principles from the I Ching, which taught me that balance comes not from control, but from awareness. So when users get alerts after 45 minutes? That’s not automation—it’s intentionality baked into design.

Community & Celebration: Where Games Become Shared Journeys

What makes Super 8S different isn’t just mechanics—it’s community culture. Players don’t just win; they share wins through the ‘Flame Circle’. A screenshot isn’t just data—it’s proof of presence.

We added these elements not because they look good—but because humans crave belonging. And when you feel seen during wins or losses alike… you keep coming back—not out of compulsion, but joy.

Final Thought: Luck Is Just Probability Wearing Fancy Clothes

call me crazy—but I think true gamification isn’t about winning money at all.* It’s about creating moments where players say aloud: ‘Wow—I felt powerful today.’ The best games don’t promise riches—they promise meaning.