Downtime games may not be for everyone, but I completely understand their appeal. There's something strangely satisfying about watching your progress grow, even if you're not actively playing. It's almost like a digital anthill - you start the process, and then come back to see how things are going. In my opinion, there are several reasons that make pacifier games so addictive. First, they give you a sense of progress, even in short episodes. You can pop in for a few minutes, press a few buttons, and see your virtual empire expand. It's a quick and easy dopamine hit. Second, many pacifier games have a strategic element to them. You have to make decisions about how to invest your resources, which upgrades to prioritize, and how to optimize your gameplay for maximum growth. Here's an interesting article I found that goes a little deeper into the psychology of idle games: The Allure of Idle Games: Mechanics and Addictive Nature.
https://blinklist.com/gaming/the-allure-of-idle-games-mechanics-and-addictive-nature/