Can't Pause or Save
The game does not allow you to stop playing whenever you want.
Many games have "save points" that you must reach before you can safely save your progress and stop playing. If these "save points" are too far apart, this dark pattern can appear. Forcing players to continue playing longer than they want to, just so they can save their progress, is a waste of the player's time.
It should be noted that many classic games, such as Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros, could not be saved because the technology to do so had not been invented yet, so it's not fair to label these games with this dark pattern. Modern games that have the ability to save should not unreasonably prevent you from doing so. By preventing you from pausing gameplay they are forcing players to stay in the game longer than they would have otherwise, resulting in a negative experience for the player.
Most online multiplayer games can't be paused because it would affect the other players. This is understandable. However, these types of games should provide frequent opportunities for players to step out safely without causing negative repercussions. This is often accomplished by having timed matches, so you know what you are committing to when you enter the game.
Sometimes games combine this pattern with social pressure to keep playing so you don't let down your teammates. This combination can create a unhealthy powerful drive to keep playing without breaks for long periods of time.
It should be noted that many classic games, such as Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros, could not be saved because the technology to do so had not been invented yet, so it's not fair to label these games with this dark pattern. Modern games that have the ability to save should not unreasonably prevent you from doing so. By preventing you from pausing gameplay they are forcing players to stay in the game longer than they would have otherwise, resulting in a negative experience for the player.
Most online multiplayer games can't be paused because it would affect the other players. This is understandable. However, these types of games should provide frequent opportunities for players to step out safely without causing negative repercussions. This is often accomplished by having timed matches, so you know what you are committing to when you enter the game.
Sometimes games combine this pattern with social pressure to keep playing so you don't let down your teammates. This combination can create a unhealthy powerful drive to keep playing without breaks for long periods of time.
Examples
The World of Magic"It's an MMORPG"
GraalOnline Era+"It is not a pausible game."
GraalOnline Zone+"It is not a pausible game."
Shell Shockers"you can exit but it is online so you cant pause"
AFK Journey"This is an online game. If you stop playing and get back later, you will fall way behind other players."
Magic: The Gathering - PQ"It’s online"
Squad Busters"Only multiplayer game, impossible to pause."
Dragon POW!"You can pause during single-player experiences, but if the game crashes or you leave, you are given three reconnection chances. If you use all three chances, your progress is lost, depending on the mode. If you quit during a stage however, you can claim any rewards you got during the level. In multi-player, you get no rewards if your game crashes or you quit during a raid."
Block Jam 3D"If the app is exited for long enough the player will have to start the level from the beginning. There's no visible pause button."
Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile"It's a multiplayer game, duh."