By Gio Arteaga
For a few months now, the popularity of “Block Blast” has exploded. Walk through campus, and you’ll see students tapping furiously at their screens between classes, on lunch breaks, even during lectures (we see you). But should we be worried? Or is this just the modern version of “Candy Crush Saga?”
At its core, the gravitation of Block Blast isn’t just about the thrill of matching blocks. The game is meticulously designed to trigger the brain’s reward system, particularly in releasing dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Every time you complete a row or hit a high score, your brain releases a small dose of dopamine, reinforcing the behavior and making you crave that next win. Similarly, this is the same mechanism that underlies addictive behaviors like gambling, social media, and even substance abuse. But because it’s packaged in a harmless mobile game, we don’t often recognize it for what it is: a cycle of reward and reinforcement that keeps us returning for more.
Block Blast also employs a psychological phenomenon known as the “variable ratio reward system.” In AP Psychology, we learn that a variable ratio reward system is an academic way of saying it happens randomly; whether that be a row cleared, the board being emptied, or passing a level on the challenge tab. This is interesting as well because this same variable ratio reward system is used in slot machines, where rewards are given at unpredictable intervals. Sometimes, you might get a huge score boost or a streak of perfect moves, and other times, you struggle to find where a block fits. That unpredictability keeps players engaged, much like a gambler pulling the lever one more time in hopes of hitting the jackpot. It’s a calculated move by game developers, and it works…a little too well.
Then there’s the sensory experience—bright colors, quick animations, and satisfying sound effects.Stimulating the brain’s sensory systems within the brain’s parietal lobe, these effects create a loop that makes the experience more immersive and more addictive. The haptic vibrations (the feeling you get when you get a message and your phone buzzes) that follow a successful move add another layer of this reinforcement, giving players a physical sensation of success. This again ties back into the idea of the dopamine reward system where every time you see and feel the board clearing, it feels good.
And we also mustn’t forget the social element! From personal experience, my boyfriend and his family observed me playing Block Blast while I was spending time with them in Wisconsin; and now his mother and sister compete to see who can get a higher score (they all secretly blame me, but what can I say, this game is addictive). There’s this feeling in your stomach when you see a person put a block in a spot you wouldn’t ever think to put it and it triggers the same sensation you get when you “cringe.” Even though Block Blast isn’t multiplayer, it still taps into our competitive instincts.
So, should we be concerned about Block Blast’s growing grip on players? Not necessarily. While the game does exploit psychological mechanisms similar to addictive behaviors, moderate play isn’t inherently harmful. The key is balance—recognizing when the game stops being fun and starts feeling like a compulsion. If you find yourself reaching for your phone every free moment or getting frustrated when you lose, it might be time to step back.
At the end of the day, Block Blast isn’t just another puzzle game—it’s a carefully crafted dopamine machine designed to keep us entertained (and maybe a little obsessed). But as long as we’re mindful of our habits and keep our priorities in check, there’s no harm in indulging in the occasional satisfying pop of clearing a row. Just, you know, maybe put the phone down before sunrise and go get ready for school!