Feedback Loops

In game design there are two types of feedback loops, positive and negative. A positive feedback loop is where the act of succeeding within a game makes it more likely that you will continue to succeed. For example, in Monopoly, when one player gets ahead early in the game, it's incredibly difficult for the other players to catch up. Because of this, it inevitably makes the game end sooner as the winning player doesn't get as obstructed as they would in a game with negative feedback loops. Some realistic racing games also have positive feedback loops. If one player gets too far ahead there are less cars trying to race for their position which therefore makes it easier for the leader.

A negative feedback loop is the complete opposite of a positive one. They reward players in the game who have fallen behind and therefore allow them the opportunity to cath up. Mario Kart has negative feedback loops. When collecting items, the players at the back often get rewards that allow them to catch up with the rest of the field and in some cases even attack the leader. Drivers at the front often end up with rewards that offer them little advantage.