Saint MKT570 module 7 discussion latest 2016 May

Most of the game rewards (virtual goods, achievement points, badges, etc.) tend to be fixed-rate, i.e., there is some correlation (usually proportional) between activity/effort and reward. However, sometimes there are situations in games where players come across variable ratio rewards. These are unexpected rewards that appear randomly. Their existence can be known in advance (although the exact timing or acquisition conditions will be a surprise), or it may be entirely hidden.

Provide some ideas as to the benefits and limitations of using variable ratio awards. What kind of gamification situations do you think are best suited for these? Why?