A puzzle game's secret code exposed

Developer Ayoships reverse-engineered Block Blast, a puzzle app by Hungry Games, and found deliberate tricks pushing players toward ads.

Difficulty adjusted by player value

According to the developer, Block Blast allegedly adjusts its difficulty based on what each player is worth to developers rather than the skill of that player.

Expensive phones mean harder games

Owners of expensive smartphones may be considered more commercially valuable than users with older, cheaper devices. Geographical information can provide clues about average consumer income, helping ad systems estimate which audiences might generate greater returns.

Boost then kill strategy

One mechanism called boost then kill reportedly makes a round easier before introducing greater difficulty. This sequence encourages players to believe they are performing well, motivating them to continue playing rather than abandon the game.

“Boost then kill”

Frustration becomes an ad trigger

Gameplay can suddenly become exceptionally difficult, encouraging players to watch a video ad in exchange for another attempt.

Hidden code references reward and bait

The game reportedly includes mechanisms that secretly increase scores, making ad-related rewards appear more valuable. References in the code include reward, bait, and moreCleanSuccessRound, the latter describing an easier round designed to build confidence.

“reward, bait, and moreCleanSuccessRound”

Questions remain about how often it happens

Independent verification is important when assessing Ayoships' interpretation of Block Blast's code. The findings do not establish how frequently difficulty adjustments occur or whether every player experiences the same treatment.