Why is the achievement system so important in games.

Source:

http://www.gamingfuture.co.uk/opinion-the-real-value-of-achievements/

Game achievements are one of the reasons that makes games fun today. The achievement system gives game developers what they want the players in the game. Achievements aren't mandatory to do when you are playing games but it gives the player a task you can do for fun. The two services that use the achievement system are Xbox Gamerscore system and Sony's Trophy system. Both systems are mostly the same but just different consoles.  Today we see many players going for achievements because it shows how we like our games are played.

Game developers made achievements as a reward back then which gives players how they played their games. There are achievements where you have found an Easter egg, completing a challenge in a game level or to just show off your friend you have beaten the game at the highest difficulty.  Game developers feel that achievements are required to be in games. It wasn't because it was fun but it was a reason why it gave players to continue to play the game. If gave players an accomplishment when they finally reached a certain objective in the game.

Microsoft gave players an achievement system also known as Gamerscore. Gamerscore was a way to tally up player's points earned when they complete achievements. You can compare with friends how many points you have and even show off how much you have. This system is very simple for players to get achievements. Sony made their own achievement system by introducing trophies. Trophies are scaled up from bronze, silver, gold and platinum.  Both achievement systems work really well and are used in all their games released.

                Achievements also spawned a new entire group of gamers also known as achievement hunters or achievement whores. Achievement hunters don't just play the game but instead they go for the achievements. A game released on the Xbox named "Avatar the Last Airbender: The Burning Earth" which featured only five achievements which was easily obtainable in less than 3 minutes. The game was lackluster but profitable because it was so easy to get the achievements in the game. This game created a stir in the achievement system where developers could make money by the achievement system. Microsoft and Sony now have a restriction on their games on how the achievement system works. Achievement hunters prove games aren't bought just for fun but it was just for the achievements.

Achievements are fun and many go for them for fun. The system prove worthy to games by trying to get the player to keep playing in their games. Achievements are important in games as a mechanic like others are invented.