[jamesgreenleaf]

I wonder how much of it has to do with the reward. In D&D you get experience points, gain levels, get powerful magic items, etc. There is generally immediate positive feedback when you accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle in the game world. But in real life, most times the only reward is that the obstacle has been cleared.

[seb1204]

In the work environment this is where talking and praising becomes important again in my opinion. Acknowledgement of achievements, even very small ones by colleagues, managers etc has its purpose.

[highfrequency]

Agree that games design for immediate feedback and visual, tangible rewards. I think this is a big part of it.