According to research by Marcel Toshio Omori & Alan Salvany Felinto, their study of motivational elements in match-3 social games found that these games have simple gameplay mechanics without deep socialization features. They focus on competition and achieving social status, with virality being dependent on competition motivating players to engage and share the games with others. Psychological and gratification needs around material goods, power, challenge, social interaction, and excitement drive continued gameplay.

1. According to the research of Marcel Toshio Omori & Alan Salvany
Felinto “Analysis of Motivational Elements of Social Games: A Puzzle
Match 3-Games Study Case”

2. Gameplay
mechanics
Asynchronous
Gameplay
Psychological
Needs:
material needs,
power needs,
affective needs,
ambition needs,
information needs
Gratification:
competition,
challenge, social
interaction, fun,
fantasy, excitation
Playfulness:
creation of
conditions and
situations to
express personal
meaning for
players
The “Flow”
Intrinsic and
Extrinsic Motivations
Virality
Players
segmentation
Cognitive
spontaneity
(learning)

3.  have simple gameplay;
 do not show strong points at the fictitious
socialization part;
 focused on the social status;
 competition is the most motivating element
of the game;
 Virality Dependency.