A variable reward is a reward that isn’t always the same. This is usually used in games that have some sort of randomization, such as Loot Boxes or Casinos. Variable rewards are a powerful tool because they create anticipation and excitement in the player. They also keep the player coming back for more, as they never know what they’ll get. Variable rewards can be used in non-game applications as well.
For example, Facebook uses variable rewards to keep users engaged. When you open the app, you never know what you’ll see. It could be a news article, a photo from a friend, or a video. This unpredictability is what keeps people coming back.
The most important thing to remember with variable rewards is that they should be valuable to the player. If the rewards are not valuable, then the player will not be motivated to keep coming back.
Man is happy to win an unexpected reward while playing a game.