Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Why some games stick with you forever while others fade away? It's not about fancy graphics or groundbreaking mechanics. It's pure psychology. In this video, I break down one of the most powerful techniques in game design: the Squeeze and Release.
You'll discover how games like Ori and the Blind Forest and Mega Man X masterfully use this technique to create unforgettable moments, and I'll show you exactly how it works in your brain.
But here's the thing: this isn't just game design theory. I'll break down the neuroscience behind it, explaining how your brain processes tension and relief, and why these moments become core memories that keep players coming back for more.
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Book recommendation:
📚 Reality is Broken: amzn.to/4hIkTvu
📚 The Selfish Gene: amzn.to/4b3G9sL
📚 Rules of Play: amzn.to/4b3VObv
Get personalized guidance to develop and launch games:
🚀ko-fi.com/ludensludonaut/commissions
Learn how to design, develop, and launch games:
🎓ko-fi.com/s/f9fd32c6f7
Send a letter to the stars and support Milkyway Mailing Inc.
🌌ko-fi.com/milkywaymail/commissions
Get access to assets, tutorial files, and more:
👨🚀ko-fi.com/ludensludonaut/tiers
Learn the 12 Essential Features of Platformer Games:
📘ko-fi.com/s/8df29350d8
Why some games stick with you forever while others fade away? It's not about fancy graphics or groundbreaking mechanics. It's pure psychology. In this video, I break down one of the most powerful techniques in game design: the Squeeze and Release.
You'll discover how games like Ori and the Blind Forest and Mega Man X masterfully use this technique to create unforgettable moments, and I'll show you exactly how it works in your brain.
But here's the thing: this isn't just game design theory. I'll break down the neuroscience behind it, explaining how your brain processes tension and relief, and why these moments become core memories that keep players coming back for more.
---
Book recommendation:
📚 Reality is Broken: amzn.to/4hIkTvu
📚 The Selfish Gene: amzn.to/4b3G9sL
📚 Rules of Play: amzn.to/4b3VObv
Get personalized guidance to develop and launch games:
🚀ko-fi.com/ludensludonaut/commissions
Learn how to design, develop, and launch games:
🎓ko-fi.com/s/f9fd32c6f7
Send a letter to the stars and support Milkyway Mailing Inc.
🌌ko-fi.com/milkywaymail/commissions
Get access to assets, tutorial files, and more:
👨🚀ko-fi.com/ludensludonaut/tiers
Learn the 12 Essential Features of Platformer Games:
📘ko-fi.com/s/8df29350d8
