A "near win" is considered one of the most well-known mechanics in slots. It refers to a situation where the player is just one symbol away from a winning combination. Such outcomes are traditionally seen as a retention tool because they trigger emotions close to those experienced during a win.
However, a study by Pepper Partners showed that not all near wins work the same way. In some cases, they may not increase engagement but instead intensify stress and reduce the desire to continue playing.
However, a study by Pepper Partners showed that not all near wins work the same way. In some cases, they may not increase engagement but instead intensify stress and reduce the desire to continue playing.
How player reactions were studied
🔵 The study involved 264 participants
🔵 Each participant played 60 rounds on a slot machine simulator
🔵 Around 16,000 physiological measurements were collected
🔵 Heart rate, emotional response, and willingness to continue playing were analyzed
What is a "near win after a loss"
🔴 The player sees several symbols from a winning combination in a row
🔴 Then a symbol appears that confirms the loss
🔴 After that, another symbol from the winning combination appears in the following positions
As a result, the player first realizes that they have lost, and then receives a reminder of how close they were to winning.
Player reaction
🔵 A classic near win triggered an emotional response close to a win
🔵 A near win after a loss was associated with a stress level comparable to a loss
🔵 According to the published data, stress was even higher than during a regular loss
🔵 This outcome was perceived as more unpleasant
Impact on motivation
🔴 After a classic near win, players maintained interest in the game
🔴 After a near win shown after a confirmed loss, the desire to continue decreased
🔴 Researchers link this to the feeling of a missed opportunity
Gender differences
🔵 Women showed higher motivation to continue playing after wins
🔵 At the same time, women reacted more strongly to losses and near wins after a loss
🔵 This may indicate differences in the emotional perception of gaming outcomes
Conclusion
A win, a loss, and a classic near win all end with one final emotion. Even if the player is one symbol away from winning, the result is perceived as a single event — at the moment when the final symbol appears.
The scenario with a near win after a confirmed loss works differently. First, the player realizes that they have lost, and then receives a reminder of how close the win was. Instead of one emotional reaction, two occur in sequence. This mechanic is perceived more as emotional pressure on the player than as an additional incentive to continue playing, which is why stress increases and motivation decreases.
🔵 The study involved 264 participants
🔵 Each participant played 60 rounds on a slot machine simulator
🔵 Around 16,000 physiological measurements were collected
🔵 Heart rate, emotional response, and willingness to continue playing were analyzed
What is a "near win after a loss"
🔴 The player sees several symbols from a winning combination in a row
🔴 Then a symbol appears that confirms the loss
🔴 After that, another symbol from the winning combination appears in the following positions
As a result, the player first realizes that they have lost, and then receives a reminder of how close they were to winning.
Player reaction
🔵 A classic near win triggered an emotional response close to a win
🔵 A near win after a loss was associated with a stress level comparable to a loss
🔵 According to the published data, stress was even higher than during a regular loss
🔵 This outcome was perceived as more unpleasant
Impact on motivation
🔴 After a classic near win, players maintained interest in the game
🔴 After a near win shown after a confirmed loss, the desire to continue decreased
🔴 Researchers link this to the feeling of a missed opportunity
Gender differences
🔵 Women showed higher motivation to continue playing after wins
🔵 At the same time, women reacted more strongly to losses and near wins after a loss
🔵 This may indicate differences in the emotional perception of gaming outcomes
Conclusion
A win, a loss, and a classic near win all end with one final emotion. Even if the player is one symbol away from winning, the result is perceived as a single event — at the moment when the final symbol appears.
The scenario with a near win after a confirmed loss works differently. First, the player realizes that they have lost, and then receives a reminder of how close the win was. Instead of one emotional reaction, two occur in sequence. This mechanic is perceived more as emotional pressure on the player than as an additional incentive to continue playing, which is why stress increases and motivation decreases.