Whether you work in marketing, research, education, or the non-profit sector, infographics are likely a part of your everyday life. Even if your sector hasn’t jumped on the infographic bandwagon, it is likely that you see infographics as you scroll through social media and blogs.

Despite how widespread infographics are, there is still confusion about what exactly qualifies as an infographic.

Definition of Infographic

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, an infographic is defined as:

A chart, diagram, or illustration (as in a book or magazine, or on a website) that uses graphic elements to present information in a visually striking way.

If we go by this definition of an infographic though, then virtually all types of visual information would be considered an infographic.

Even signs like the one below would be considered an infographic.

 

While useful, we generally now appreciate infographics to be more detailed and complex than a simple sign.

Wikipedia expands on the definition of infographic by saying that,

Infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly.

The key term here is complex information. Hence why street signs aren’t considered infographics by modern standards.

I also like how Venture Beat defines infographic as a “Picture painted with data. Take a quick look and a story emerges from numbers. Look more closely, and a complex narrative emerges from dense clusters of information.”

Key Features of Infographics:

• Goal is to make large amounts of data immediately understandable.
• Information can be quickly digested.
• Visually striking.
• Engaging.

All Infographics Contain:

• Content Almost all infographics use some text to get the message across. However, there are some infographics – such as the IKEA stick figures – which convey the message without any text.
• Visuals: The visuals need to be striking and clearly convey the information.
• Knowledge: The goal of an infographic is to convey information. Without knowledge, then it is just a graphic and not infographic.

Types of Infographics

There are a lot of design and marketing agencies that have broken down infographics into types.  However, it is hard to find a consensus amongst them.

As one designer points out, the breakdown of infographic types depends on how you define the different between data, information, and knowledge.  These terms are highly subjective, which explains why we still don’t have a widely-agreed upon definition of infographic, nevertheless the types.

The Harvard Business Review guide Good Charts lays out four types of infographics: declarative, conceptual, exploratory, and data-driven. In this classification system, the types overlap each other, such as declarative-exploratory.

However, I prefer the simpler breakdown of infographic types by Column Five Media.  They define three main infographic types: Data visualization, information design, and editorial infographics.

As a consumer, understanding the types of infographics can help you better gauge the value of the information presented.

You’ll be able to ask yourself questions like how many data sets are being presented, and is the infographic trying to elicit a response from me?  Considering that infographics have long been used as a propaganda tool, this insight can help you avoid being manipulated with data.

Data Visualization Infographics

Many of the early precursors to infographics, such as line graphs and charts, are types of data visualizations.  The difference is that today’s data visualizations often present huge amounts of information.

Key Features:

• Illustrates numbers/amounts
• Delivers information
• Is objective
• Usually created for a specific niche
• Not narrative – focus on the numbers
• Tend to be more “numbers heavy” than graphic

There is a lot of debate about the difference between an infographic and data visualization.  Some would argue that they are completely different things.  However, the common consensus is that data visualizations are a type of infographic, but not all infographics are data visualizations.

Example of Data Visualization Infographic

 

Information Design Infographics

With these information design infographics, the data is not specific numbers.  Rather, the data is concepts which are visualized. Some examples of these information design are timelines, how-to steps, flowcharts, comparisons, hierarchical, and anatomical illustrations.

Key Features:

• Illustrates concepts rather than numbers
• Include more than one set of data or info in order to tell a larger story
• Typically aimed at a mass market
• May not be objective

Example of Information Design Infographic  

 

Editorial Infographics

It used to be that text-based editorials were found in newspapers and magazines to supplement the objective news reporting.  Now, there is a growing trend towards editorial type infographics.

Key Features:

• Are not objective
• Have a distinct call to action
• Often used by non-profits and activist groups
• Use various data sets to support viewpoint

Example of an Editorial Infographic:

 

Why Infographics Are So Powerful

Long before humans invented alphabet systems, they communicated with visuals.  The human brain is hardwired to process visual information, and it does it much more efficiently than it processes text information.

Source

Shortening Attention Span

Another reason that infographics are so powerful in today’s era of the internet, is that they capture attention.  Our attention spans have drastically shortened because of the constant stimulus we receive.  In this era of goldfish brains, learning needs to be micro.

Infographics are one of the best ways to present huge amounts of data in small bites, thus making them a very powerful learning tool.  They are also great for marketers who want to get their message across as quickly as possible.   Color visuals increase comprehension, learning, and retention by over 73%.  The appeal lasts: Eye tracking research on news pages has shown that 87% of people who saw an infographic also read the accompanying text, whereas only 41% read the text of a typical page with heading and text.

Shareability

The key to having content go viral is to make it shareable.  Your readers see the content and believe that sharing it makes them look good.  They then want to share it with their friends, coworkers, and grandparents.  Visual content is 40X more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content (Buffer, 2014).

 

Infographic History Timeline

Prehistory and Early Civilization

We humans are visual thinkers, so it is no surprise that infographics have been around since even before civilization.  The earliest examples of infographics are arguably cave paintings which many experts believe were used to communicate information about animals and hunting methods.  There are also prehistoric examples of constellations maps and land maps.  However, the combining of data and art didn’t develop until the 1600s.

 

1600s:

Maps had been around for long before the 17^th century, but this is when the principles of measuring and marking distances as well as special geometry were laid down.  As a result, we see a huge jump in the quality of maps during this century.

Christoph Scheiner is usually credited as the person responsible for making the first modern infographic.  His map of sunspots was printed in 1626.

 

1786

The end of the 18^th century in Europe was a Golden Age for sciences and arts. The date 1786 stands out as when a Scotsman named William Playfair published his work “Commercial and Political Atlas.” The work contains the first examples of a bar chart. Playfair also is credited with inventing the line, area, and pie charts.

 

1800s

The 1800s was the era of charts. Many government offices started using visual charts for statistical analysis.  The popularity of charts led to major innovations in their types and styles.

Suddenly, we had more attractive charts as well as new types like bubble charts, contour plots, and 3d charts.

Infographic charts also started to influence history. 

If it weren’t for John Snow’s 1841 cholera map (which showed cholera outbreaks linked to a common water source), he probably wouldn’t have been able to convince public officials that cholera is spread by water.  Thanks to his visualization, the well pump was removed.

In 1860, a map of slavery influenced the course of the Civil War.  By seeing which areas held slaves, the Union was able to determine which areas would fight harder to keep slavery – and which ones might switch sides.

One of the first infographics to combine multiple data sets was made in 169 by designer Charles Minard. He visualized Emperor Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia, showing the number of forces, distance traveled, temperatures, and rivers crossed.

 

Florence Nightingale was amongst the first to use infographics for activism.  Her 1858 infographic of mortality of British army was used to convince the Queen to provide better medical care for soldiers in the Crimean War.

 

 

1900s

Up until this period, infographics were mainly used to convey data within scientific circles and niche audiences. The booming 1900s found infographics being adopted by mainstream media.

People were moving to cities during this time and public transportation was getting complex.  Infographics were made to help the public navigate.  The first few attempts at mapping the subway systems in NYC were far from ideal.  It wasn’t until 1967 that subway routes were given their own color on maps.

 

1990s to Early 2000s

Computers and software finally became affordable and small enough to make it into homes. Design software suddenly made it possible to visualize data quickly without having to hand-draw visualizations.

The result were infographics which were much more complex, such as network graphs, dendrograms, sunburst charts, and chord diagrams.

2000s

Now is the era we are familiar with.  With the huge demand for visual content, everyone from marketers to government agencies to nonprofits have adopted infographics.

The push towards visual content also means there’s been a surge in bad infographics.  It got so bad that a 2011 article in the Atlantic called the infographic trend a “plague” and “endemic in the blogosphere.”

By the end of the decade, marketers realize that they can’t make an impact simply by putting content in visual form.  Consumers are demanding more to capture their attention.

 

The Infographic Today

Living in the information age means we are getting inundated with huge amounts of data daily. A Telegraph report found we consume the equivalent of 174 newspapers per day – which is five times more information consumed daily in 1986.

That statistic was reported in 2011. Since then, the amount of information overload has only increased.

With so much information overload, people have become very picky about what they consume. Content doesn’t even stand a chance without a visual strategy.  

Thus, there is a huge push to transform content into visual form.  In an article about how infographics jumped the shark, Flowing Data creator Nathan Yau comments on how infographics are replacing the blog post format.

 Infographics have gotten longer to fit into the blog format. Posts that used to be long lists of favorite things and best methods have shifted to something more visual.

We’ve also seen more infographic trends like interactive, 3d, and motion infographics.

Infographics have grown to great lengths, quite literally.  Keep scrolling..

Online users have also gotten immune to the visual pull of infographics.  Without a good story throughout the infographic, people get bored.  

Thus, it is no surprise that infographic design best practices include making a narrative flow.  When done well, the narrative will engage consumers as they scroll down the infographic.  The message is clear and there is a strong visual focus.

The final piece to pull it all together is a Call To Action or conclusion.  Because, without a CTA guiding you in how to react, what was the point of consuming the infographic?  Data only becomes knowledge when it can be put to use!

Neverwinter is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons. With its vast open world, challenging quests, and intense PvP battles, it’s no wonder that millions of players are hooked on this game. However, mastering Neverwinter requires more than just basic knowledge of the game mechanics.

 

In this article, provide the key strategies; character builds, and gameplay techniques that will help you rise to the top of the Neverwinter leaderboard. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up your skills or a seasoned player aiming for victory, this article is your ultimate guide to becoming a Neverwinter master.

Create a Character

To start playing Neverwinter you must create your character. The game allows you to customize your character’s facial features, skin complexion, hairstyle, and hair color. 

 

You can also decide whether you want to play as a male or female character. Then select your character’s race from the available options. Each race in Neverwinter has its own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, so choose one that aligns with your preferred playstyle. 

Choose a Class

Choose a class for your character. Neverwinter offers a variety of classes, such as warrior, wizard, rogue, cleric, and more. Each class has its own set of skills, abilities, and playstyles. Consider your preferred playstyle and the role you want to fulfill in the game when selecting a class.

 

The class you select will greatly impact your gameplay. For example, some say that selecting the fighter class will be easier. If you become a cleric, you can heal and keep yourself and your friends alive during battle.

Customize Your Character

Once you’ve chosen your class and race, it’s time to customize your character. You can change your character’s facial features, clothes, and weapons. Use a free fantasy name generator to create a unique name for your character.

 

You’ll then need to select where your character comes from. This choice won’t affect your gameplay, but it will affect your roleplaying. The next step is to choose one of the 12 deities you’d like to be in the game. This choice also doesn’t seem to affect gameplay. 

Crafting and Professions

When you start playing Neverwinter, you get to choose crafting capabilities and professions. In the game, there are nine professions to choose from:

• Artificing: Create weapons for clerics, wizards, and warlocks. 
• Leatherworking: Crafting armor for warlocks, hunter rangers, and rogues. 
• Tailoring: Crafting armor and clothes for classes. 
• Alchemy: Brewing potions and crafting dyes. 
• Weaponsmithing: Crafting weapons for various races. 
• Mailsmithing: Crafting mail and armor for great weapon fighters. 
• Jewelcrafting: Crafting items such as belts and rings for all classes. 
• Platesmithing. Making armor for guardian fighters. 
• Leadership: Getting XP, gold, gems, and various items. 

 

You can master all of these professions, but you may not need to based on the class you’ve chosen. However, all game characters may need to level up their alchemy abilities to craft healing potions. 

Dungeons and Skirmishes

As you progress through Neverwinter, you’ll see group content quests. These quests are for dungeons and skirmishes, which help to level up your character. Dungeons require three players to complete the event, which makes it easier to tackle. 

 

There are also epic dungeons that you can complete when you’ve retrieved the correct weapons and leveled up your character. Skirmishes are five-player events and have shorter run times.   

Collecting Astral Diamonds 

Astral Diamonds serve as the primary currency in the game. Players need them to purchase various items, equipment, and resources that are essential for character progression and enhancing the gameplay experience. These can include powerful weapons, armor, consumables, mounts, and companions.

How to Level Up Your Character

The more you level up in Neverwinter, the more powerful you’ll become. You’ll also have access to powerful weapons and difficult dungeons. To level up your character, you must play specific quests, kill monsters, and complete events. 

Get an Artifact 

You can level up quicker if you have specific items. For example, you can equip artifacts at any level, and the stats are quite powerful, especially for lower-level characters. It would be ideal to get a rare-quality artifact to level up faster. 

Consider Getting a Companion

Companions in Neverwinter can be glowing stones or creatures that can assist you while you fight monsters. These companions are an excellent way to increase your stats. You can get Epic quality companions from the Auction House. 

Final Thoughts

It will be easy for you to master Neverwinter if you start off strong in the game. Choosing the right class, race, profession, and items can greatly impact your gameplay. Use the tips in this article to help you become a master in Neverwinter.  

Gaming has long gone beyond just a hobby. The game development industry is the most active and fastest growing, improving other niches, including technology, management, advertising, etc. This is more than a hobby and entertainment; even gamers are divided into categories based on their skill or favorite genre of games or gaming at a professional level. So, if you want to change and become a better gamer, pay attention to our 5 tips.

Base and Basic Philosophy of Gaming

Let’s start with the fact that gaming is considered a sport. People train, practice, and get in shape for each gaming session, combining gaming, sports activity, and mental practice. If you want to try the best online casino tables or be competent in some shooter, MOBA, or MMO RPG, it is always important to follow the regime and not overdo it. And this applies to both ordinary gamers and eSports professionals. Balance is not only about the fairness of certain heroes, builds, or abilities. This balance becomes better without sacrificing health (physical and mental).

There have been debates about physical health and the harm of gaming for a long time. Impaired vision, back and neck problems are just a short list of what many sacrifice to increase the “level” of gaming. And there are already legends, jokes, and true stories (not always with a happy ending) about the mental health of the gaming community. So, balance must be paramount, regardless of goals and objectives.

 

Gear Inside and Outside the Game

As mentioned above, gaming has made big changes to other niches, and the companies that make devices have benefited the most from this—for example, the Razer company, which initially created technologies for medicine and the automotive industry. But now, the company is known for its gaming devices, such as mice, headsets, keyboards, webcams for streaming, etc. So, at the moment, a gamer without gaming devices raises a ton of questions, and there are reasons for this.

The difference between office mice/keyboards and gaming ones is obvious. The characteristics and features of such “equipment” are ideally adapted to different games, and based on this, they are a must-have tool for a high-quality gaming experience.

 

Selecting a Game and Direction

Some people are in love with one game universe, while others play everything. Both options are acceptable, but to improve, it is best to focus on one thing, for example, a genre or a specific game. The choice of games is very wide, so there shouldn’t be any problems with the search, taking into account various reviews, guides, let’s plays, or if we’re talking about competitive games (like Dota 2, CS: GO, or LoL) e-sports tournaments and POV replays.

In any case, choose what you like, especially if your goal is e-sports and gaming as a way to earn money.

Correct Assessment of Opportunities and Skills

Many believe those playing games develop specific characteristics, such as reaction, analysis, finger dexterity, etc. But still, in gaming, results and performance are valued. You may be good at analyzing game situations but mechanically weak. In this case, especially when playing in a team, you must clearly understand your weaknesses and strengths. In esports, as in regular sports, age plays a key role. Some players understand this, while others suffer from the younger generation of geniuses. An example of someone who switched to the reserves at the right time and then emerged as one of the best coaches in Dota 2 is

Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei. Mechanically, he will lose to most tier 3 players, but in terms of game analysis, 35 years legend fulfills the duties of a coach perfectly.

The main advice is to clearly understand your capabilities, skill level and what to do next.

Set Your Priorities

And the main top tip on how to become a better gamer is setting priorities. Gaming is a paradoxical phenomenon; some people recognize it in all its forms, while others are skeptical about all games. As everywhere else, people can believe and support you or dissuade you from certain goals. The arguments may differ, but this should be fine if this is your desire and what you love to do.

But it is essential to understand that this hobby, be it regular gaming or the path to cyberspace, will not interfere with ordinary life. Gaming is great and opens up new horizons, but you shouldn’t spend all your time in front of a monitor. There must be balance in everything (which we mentioned in the first part).

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, to become a better gamer, you don’t need to move mountains and go beyond the limits of your capabilities. The main thing is to have fun, and then the games will bring relaxation and good profit. Still, the prize money at cybersports events is much higher than in regular sports.

Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia has seen a substantial upswing recently. Increased awareness about digital currencies, coupled with the potential for high returns, has resulted in more individuals and businesses embracing this investment avenue. Investors, both seasoned and novices, are exploring the capabilities of Bitcoin not only as an investment tool but also as a novel way to transact, reducing dependence on conventional banking systems. Explore quantum prime profit platform for gaining proper tips and tricks of bitcoin trading.

The city’s younger workforce, especially, is driving this change. They see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as the future of money, one that offers more freedom and control over individual finances. This demographic is inclined towards technological advancements, and their involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia.

However, it’s not just the private sector that is showing interest. Local governments are finding themselves considering Bitcoin as part of their investment portfolio. The potential for high returns and the opportunity to diversify their financial assets has spurred interest. The future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia looks promising, but it also entails risks that investors need to be aware of.

 

In what ways has Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism influenced other blockchain projects?

The proof-of-work consensus mechanism, first applied by Bitcoin, has profoundly influenced numerous other blockchain projects. This technical innovation ensures the security and integrity of the blockchain network, by requiring miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. As the first cryptocurrency to utilize this mechanism, Bitcoin has set the standard for many subsequent digital currencies, demonstrating the efficacy of proof-of-work in preventing fraudulent activities and maintaining network stability.

Despite its advantages, the proof-of-work system has been criticized for its high energy consumption, leading some blockchain projects to explore and adopt alternative consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake and delegated proof-of-stake. These newer mechanisms aim to maintain network security while reducing the environmental impact. Ethereum, for instance, has announced its plan to shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake to increase its scalability and decrease its carbon footprint.

Nonetheless, Bitcoin’s proof-of-work continues to be a cornerstone in the world of blockchain technologies. As the pioneer, it has paved the way for the continuous evolution of consensus mechanisms, each iteration aiming to enhance security, efficiency, and sustainability. It’s an ongoing process of learning and development within the blockchain community, balancing the need for security with sustainability concerns.

 

How has the rise of Bitcoin affected the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms?

Bitcoin’s rise has had a transformative impact on the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As the first successful application of blockchain technology, Bitcoin demonstrated the potential for decentralized peer-to-peer financial systems and sparked the invention of many other digital currencies. Its decentralized nature challenged traditional financial systems, propelling the concept of DeFi into the limelight.

In addition, Bitcoin’s innovative blockchain technology forms the backbone of many DeFi platforms. These platforms leverage the security, transparency, and immutability offered by blockchain to provide decentralized financial services such as lending, borrowing, and trading. The result is a more open, inclusive, and efficient financial system that disintermediates traditional financial intermediaries.

Bitcoin’s influence on DeFi is indelible. However, the future of DeFi is not without challenges. Issues such as regulatory uncertainty, systemic risk, and the need for better security measures are calling for more attention. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, it must address these concerns while continuing to push the envelope of financial innovation.

 

Final Words

Bitcoin’s impact in Arkadelphia and the broader financial landscape is undeniable. It represents a technological revolution changing the way we perceive and handle money, fostering a decentralized, peer-to-peer financial system that enables individuals to regain control over their financial affairs. Its influence extends beyond the boundaries of investment, shaping the future of transactions, remittances, and even governmental financial portfolios.

The evolution of the consensus mechanism, initially introduced by Bitcoin, demonstrates the continuous effort within the blockchain community to address emerging challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. While the proof-of-work system provided a solid foundation for network security, its high energy consumption has ignited a search for more sustainable alternatives. This is a testament to the blockchain community’s commitment to balancing security and environmental concerns.

The world of online slots continues to evolve, offering players a dynamic and captivating gaming experience that goes beyond the traditional pull of the lever. From the buy bonus feature in Fat Panda free demo slots to interactive gameplay, the realm of online slots is a playground of innovation. 

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest trends and groundbreaking innovations in online slot features. Get ready to explore the future of slot gaming! 

1. Dynamic Bonus Rounds: Elevating Excitement

Bonus rounds have always been a highlight of slot gameplay, but recent innovations have taken them to new heights. Developers are creating intricate and multi-layered bonus games that blur the lines between traditional slots and video games. Players can expect:

 

• Narrative-driven Bonus Games: Immerse yourself in storylines where your choices impact the outcome, offering a personalized gaming experience that engages you on a deeper level.
• Skill-Based Challenges: Challenge your skills in bonus rounds that require dexterity or strategic decision-making, adding a layer of interactivity and control to your gameplay.
• Mini-Game Adventures: Explore mini-games within the bonus rounds, such as puzzles, races, or battles, offering a refreshing break from the main gameplay.

2. Progressive Jackpots: Bigger Dreams, Bigger Wins

Progressive jackpots have long been a draw for players seeking life-changing wins. Today’s online slots are pushing the boundaries of progressive jackpots with exciting features:

 

• Networked Progressives: Multiple games are linked to a single progressive jackpot, creating a colossal prize pool that accumulates across various casinos and games.
• Must-Drop Jackpots: Some slots offer time-sensitive jackpots that must drop before a specific time or amount, adding a thrilling element of suspense to your gameplay.
• Daily and Hourly Jackpots: Win big rewards on a daily or hourly basis, transforming the anticipation of a jackpot into a more frequent excitement.

3. Themed Adventures: Beyond the Reels

 

Themed slot games have taken a leap beyond merely featuring symbols on the reels. Modern themed slots offer immersive adventures that transport players into fully realized worlds:

 

• Storyline Integration: Engage in quests, missions, and character development that unfold as you spin the reels, making you an active participant in the game’s narrative.
• Visual and Audio Excellence: High-quality graphics, animations, and sound effects transport you into the theme, whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, underwater kingdoms, or fantasy realms.
• 3D and VR Slots: Virtual reality and 3D technology are making their mark, allowing players to step into the slot game’s world and interact with the environment in unprecedented ways.

4. Interactive Elements: Engaging Beyond Spins

Gone are the days when spinning the reels was the only interaction. Interactive elements now offer a level of engagement that keeps players captivated:

 

• Choice-Based Gameplay: Make decisions that affect the outcome of the game, influencing your winnings or the direction of the storyline.
• Cascading Reels and Multipliers: Watch as winning combinations explode, making way for new symbols and potentially unlimited cascades of wins, accompanied by increasing multipliers.
• Symbol Collection Mechanisms: Collect symbols to unlock special features, bonuses, or additional levels, adding an extra layer of strategy to your spins.

Final Say

The online slots industry is going through an exciting period of innovation, revolutionizing the player experience. With advancing technology, players can expect even more immersive interactive experiences that push the boundaries of online slots.

FAQs

Are online slots fair?

Yes, reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the outcomes of online slots are random and unbiased. Regulatory bodies also oversee the fairness of games offered by licensed casinos.

How do I choose a slot with the best odds?

When selecting slots, it’s recommended to opt for those with higher RTP percentages as they typically offer better odds. Also, consider the slot’s volatility. Low volatility slots yield more frequent but smaller wins, while high volatility slots provide less frequent yet larger payouts.

Can I play online slots for free?

Absolutely! Many online casinos offer players the opportunity to play free versions of their slot games. This allows players to enjoy the gameplay, try out different strategies, and get acquainted with the mechanics of the game before wagering real money.

Is there a strategy to boost the odds of winning?

While online slots are primarily games of chance, you can adopt strategies to manage your bankroll, set limits, and select games with higher RTP percentages. Keep in mind that there’s no guaranteed strategy for winning consistently due to the random nature of slot outcomes.

Poker is often painted as a game that has you hooked and puts you in difficult spots with your ordinary Mafiosi in downtown New York who are really only trying to make a dishonest living. Despite its bad rep, according to Hollywood blockbusters, poker is one of the “gambling” games that has the lowest incidence of gambling harm. What this means is that poker players are not gamblers, and although there are those who take the habit a little too far, poker players are actually less likely than any other consumers to be harmed by the activity – comparing it to slots, table games, and even sports betting.

Poker players are pragmatic, driven by a desire to self-improve, and if they have an addiction of sorts – it’s the addiction of winning. The game is competitive and everyone wants to do better – this takes, knowledge, time, effort, and not least – skill. Today we explore why poker has become so “additive” to win, and why players who play online poker for money are constantly trying to do better. 

 

1. Money Talks and Poker Players Listen 

Although the size of prize pools and the money at stake do not really impact a poker player’s performance, poker players are highly motivated to do better so they can earn more money. Playing poker is a matter of making a living and living la dolce vita where you travel around the world, compete in big tournaments, and enjoy the finer things of life. Money does talk to poker players who are very motivated by the idea to earn money playing the game. Of course, this is often a decision that many players weigh carefully. Do they focus on poker as a hobby or as a full-time activity. Would they get to the point where they earn a living from playing and then quit their day-to-day jobs or would they first wait to be raking in a good income from poker?  Either way, the idea of becoming a professional poker player is fascinating to many people who are looking to always get ahead in the game by mustering their skill.

 

2. Proving One’s Self Worth in the Game

The game of poker is about proving yourself and your ability to play. This is why many players find the competition important to their own self-esteem and self-worth. Since the game is played by equally motivated players, your ability to actually triumph is how most players get “addicted” to the game. It’s not a bad addiction per se. You do not care about spending big money at all. Poker is poker, and whether you play with thousands of dollars or join the smallest buy-ins, you will find that the competitive spirit is there and everyone really wants to progress incrementally. To poker players, the sum of money rarely matters. They are driven by an innate motivation to perform better no matter how small the table and the pool is. This is understandable since poker is a game where every prize pool can be turned into a big payday at the end of the day – progressing from penny qualifiers to the final tables at the World Series of Poker. As such, proving your own self worth in the game really matters to players. 

 

3. True Passion and Desire to Grow

As touched upon already, poker players have a true passion for growth and self-improvement. This is an almost default setting to many competitors who are determined to consistently perform well and prove that they can indeed overcome the odds and outsmart their opponents. Outsmarting others is actually a huge factor in motivating players to try harder and compete more actively across the board. Players are “addicted” to figuring out what their opponents’ next move would be and trying to play around it and against it. In order to grow in a game of poker, you cannot be simply motivated by the idea of making money – not in the slightest. You need to have a real, true passion for the activity and channel it into your game with every hand you play. Then and only then will you start winning more, and that is quite addictive.

 

4. Beefs with Other Players 

It may seem a little odd but many players actually say that their beefs with certain players they meet motivates them to try harder and compete in competitions. Players in poker love a good beef and this is a fact. As many professional and even casual players admit, knowing that you need to constantly improve to outperform one particular person can be quite addictive – and worth it. Odd a reason as that it may be, it makes the game of poker “truly addictive” and keeps people on edge as they strive to improve. Of course, when speaking about addiction in poker, we ought to acknowledge that there are cases when people do go overhead and they struggle to control their spending habits as such. It’s important that these people seek help and avoid overspending on poker or any other gambling activity.

 

 

For the rest of the players who are addicted to winning, they should also get a fair warning that poker is a game that constantly requires self-improvement and character building. It’s also immensely fun.