Harmless diversion or potentially expensive hobby? What would you consider a video game in which you decorate a room and then can get the items delivered to your home in real life?
This irresistible combination of video games and shopping is what Design Home: House Renovation allows you to do. It really is the ultimate form of marketing that doesn’t feel like marketing because it is a form of entertainment that engages the customer through active play.
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That means that even though the game is free, to download, it can end up costing a lot when a player becomes addicted and starts buying stuff. This is the way it’s described on both the Google Play Store and Apple app store as:
Looking for a new creative hobby? Play Design Home today – a relaxing, fun game that allows you to live the life of an interior decorator. Sharpen your decorating skills in daily Design Challenges and style visually stunning three-dimensional spaces with access to real, high-end furniture and decor brands. Unlock ‘My Homes’ to access bathrooms, kitchens, and more customization options to bring your dream homes to life! It’s quick, it’s fun and you can connect with a vibrant creative community while learning about diverse décor styles – thus improving your design skills and gaining inspiration that you can even apply in your real life.
The game is billed as a relaxing diversion that promotes creativity, particularly when players take on “daily Design Challenges.” A social aspect is introduced, as well, with voting on rooms, as well as borrowing from friends through the Facebook connection.
Of course, it makes sense that the game would have become even more appealing in 2020 when many people were stuck at home and may have wanted to change around the space that no longer defined just where they lived but where they worked and attended school. Being without much in-person interaction may also contribute to desiring a new channel in which to connect with others who share their interests and tastes.
But addiction is also definitely built in with rewards that get unlocked and advanced levels, as well as the promise of discovering “brands and trends,” as well as the “new pieces added every day.”
Some of the pieces can be purchased virtually for the game alone. But the real big money would come through buying actual sofas, rugs, tables, etc. for one’s real-life home. And that would be quite the payoff for the affiliated sellers and brands.