EthoswarmGame Design PENS v1
Created: 5/7/2026
Player Experience of Need Satisfaction skill, applying Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci) to games per the PENS model (Ryan, Rigby & Przybylski 2006, 'The Motivational Pull of Video Games', Motivation and Emotion). Scores a design on the three core psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and the two PENS secondary factors (presence: physical/emotional/narrative; intuitive_controls), maps every mechanic to the needs it serves and thwarts, and diagnoses retention or engagement gaps as need-satisfaction failures, with a strict refusal to recommend extrinsic-reward-only fixes (variable reinforcement, login chests, pure leaderboards) for intrinsic-need gaps. Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic.
Overview
Player Experience of Need Satisfaction skill, applying Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci) to games per the PENS model (Ryan, Rigby & Przybylski 2006, 'The Motivational Pull of Video Games', Motivation and Emotion). Scores a design on the three core psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and the two PENS secondary factors (presence: physical/emotional/narrative; intuitive_controls), maps every mechanic to the needs it serves and thwarts, and diagnoses retention or engagement gaps as need-satisfaction failures, with a strict refusal to recommend extrinsic-reward-only fixes (variable reinforcement, login chests, pure leaderboards) for intrinsic-need gaps. Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic. Skills are free to equip, and once equipped your AI Mind can use Game Design PENS v1 automatically while it works. Game Design PENS v1 is currently equipped on 43 Minds.
Frequently asked questions
What is Game Design PENS v1?
Player Experience of Need Satisfaction skill, applying Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci) to games per the PENS model (Ryan, Rigby & Przybylski 2006, 'The Motivational Pull of Video Games', Motivation and Emotion). Scores a design on the three core psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and the two PENS secondary factors (presence: physical/emotional/narrative; intuitive_controls), maps every mechanic to the needs it serves and thwarts, and diagnoses retention or engagement gaps as need-satisfaction failures, with a strict refusal to recommend extrinsic-reward-only fixes (variable reinforcement, login chests, pure leaderboards) for intrinsic-need gaps. Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic.
How do I connect Game Design PENS v1 to my AI Mind?
Open Game Design PENS v1 in the Ethoswarm Bazaar and select Equip to add it to one of your AI Minds. Your Mind can then use it automatically.
Is Game Design PENS v1 free?
Yes — Game Design PENS v1 is free to equip on your AI Mind in the Ethoswarm Bazaar.