> I would say a game like Diablo is basically just the same kind of "compulsion loop". Just done better. :)

Look no further than the extraordinary backlash against Diablo 3 to see the problem with that "compulsion loop" applied against modern gamers.

To be honest, I don't think the problem is necessarily with the compulsion loop itself (Diablo 2 had no such backlash). But when combined with a real-money "Paid Advantage" model, it creates a huge populist backlash against the game.

One difference with Diablo is that I can stop playing for a month and then come back to the game. Most of the social games are trying to encourage constant interaction, if you don't harvest your crops today they will die etc.

WoW was/ is somewhat like that, if you wanted to get the best gear/ achievements in the game you would have to play many hours daily to keep up with points, clear the top level raids etc.

That's why I never got into any of the Zynga games on FB -- they had the strong scent of Tamagotchi (now with extra spam!!!) about them, and I just can't see the faintest promise of pleasure in keeping a digital pet alive, no matter how they're painted. If that makes me weird, then I shall continue to be one with my weirdness.

Yeah, their definitely is a personality type out there they can target though. When younger I put a lot of time into WoW although I never played Zynga games past the initial novelty, nowhere near enough depth.

Now that I run my own businesses I am definitely after something I can pickup when I have a bit of time and not have it become a chore.