Player Beware: Driving Forces and Influencing Factors for Game-Adapted Dark Patterns

Dark patterns are often used in interface design to manipulate users into performing actions they would otherwise not take, such as consenting to excessive data collection. We present a narrative serious game concept, along with seven game-adapted dark patterns designed to create awareness of and bolster resistance against dark patterns through direct consequences of player actions. We performed a qualitative, exploratory study investigating player behavior when confronted with game-adapted dark patterns. A thematic analysis provides insights into influencing factors for adapting dark patterns into gameplay, as well as player motivations and driving forces influencing player behavior.