Games rapidly evolve, and can now be played anywhere, holding a wide spectrum of players ranging in age and game-experience. In this thesis I focus on casual games on mobile platforms, to try and locate how certain design choices of combining or placing design elements in certain space and time during the interaction of play, can motivate a player and evoke an interest in engaging and continuing play. For this thesis I research if psychological needs are fulfilled during different moments of play, how in- game visuals and interactions enhance player experience, in relation to their past experience and individual perception of relatable elements in the real world, and in-game. This research touches upon different design disciplines to build a foundation of understanding to create a base for an explorative process together with a focus group. The focus group provide relevant insights regarding the availability of the mobile phone as a platform for play, affordable situations for play, motivational design elements and choices, individual perception, and their relation to the game and its experience provided.