Game loops help players learn.

A loop consists of:

• a player's mental model (Liminal Thinking protection mechanism),
• which drives them to perform an action on the game system
• receive feedback that updates their mental model
• and start anew or initiate another loop.

These fractal loops operate across various levels and frequencies throughout a game. They're essential for mastery-related tasks requiring trial and error or repeated engagement (ie. Master Rogue-like Games for Challenge and Discovery).

Loops build 'wisdom' (Zettelkasten is Line upon Line), imparting a multi-faceted understanding of a game's complex systems (An Introduction to Complex Adaptive Systems) and fostering player confidence in new scenarios (Saw shaped difficulty curve). A well-designed loop can enrich the player's experience by enhancing their strategic and tactical insights through continuous interaction with the game's mechanics (Habits are antifragile goals are fragile).

Source: Loops and Arcs

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