The Painted World and the Price of Grief: Psychology at the End of Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Explore the moral psychology of Claire Obscur: Expedition 33’s ending. From grief theory to AI ethics, discover how the choice between Maelle and Verso raises profound questions about illusion, truth, and the value of sentient life.
Game Pass Just Became Its Own Game… Backlog Simulator
Is Game Pass the best deal in gaming or just an endless backlog simulator? Explore the psychology of choice overload and how subscription services are changing the industry.
Romance as Reward: The Transactional Logic of Relationships in Video Games and Its Psychological Implications
Explore how video games portray romance through transactional mechanics and the psychological impact this may have on real-life relationships, intimacy, and social expectations.
Playing Through Identity: Max Caulfield and Adolescent Development
Explore adolescent identity formation through Max Caulfield in Life is Strange, using key psychological theories like Erikson, Marcia, and more.
Plural Panic: The Semiotic Peril of Peni Parker in the Digital Discourse Arena
This article somewhat tongue in cheek explores the linguistic and psychosocial implications of the pluralization of the character name “Peni Parker” from Marvel Rivals within digital discourse.
Breaking Down Barriers: How Video Game Accessibility Fosters Mental Well-being and Learning
Video game accessibility: supporting mental health and learning. Learn how inclusive features like customizable text & difficulty empower diverse players.
Fundamental Attribution Error in Multiplayer/PvP Video Games: A Cognitive Bias in Digital Competition
Explore how the Fundamental Attribution Error fuels toxicity and miscommunication in multiplayer and PvP video games. Learn how cognitive bias impacts gameplay, teamwork, and online gaming communities and how to counter it.
Press Start to Feel Better: Mood Management, Gamer Motivation, and the Psychology Behind Game Choices
Explore how Mood Management Theory, Bartle’s taxonomy, Nick Yee’s gamer motivations, and PETGaMo together reveal the psychology behind why players choose games to regulate moods and achieve psychological balance.
Lisa: The Painful and the Ethics of Ruin
Explore the brutal morality of Lisa: The Painful, an RPG that confronts trauma, addiction, and the ethics of survival in a world without redemption. A deep dive into guilt, control, and the cost of love.
Slay the Princess and the Ethics of Narrative Control
Explore the moral ambiguity and psychological depth of Slay the Princess, a surreal horror game that challenges player agency, ethical reasoning, and the illusion of choice.
Gaming the Mood: Emotion Management Through Video Games
How do video games help us manage stress and emotions? Explore the psychology of mood regulation through gaming genres and mechanics that promote emotional balance, empowerment, and well-being.
Playing for Fun Again: Escaping Gaming Burnout and Backlog Guilt
Struggling with gaming burnout or a growing backlog? Learn why even fun can feel like work—and how to reclaim the joy of playing video games without pressure or guilt.
Addressing Migraine-Related Accessibility in Video Games: A Psychological Perspective
Explore how video games can be designed with migraine-friendly accessibility features to support player comfort, inclusion, and psychological well-being.
Resisting the Narrative: How 1000xRESIST Reflects Pandemic Racism and Collective Trauma
Explore how the narrative game 1000xRESIST mirrors real-world pandemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic oppression—offering a powerful allegory for Asian diaspora experiences during COVID-19.
The Moral Ambiguity of Video Game Piracy
Explore the moral complexities of video game piracy, from ethical dilemmas and corporate accountability to the vital role of game preservation.
From Player One to Player Two: Mario, Luigi, and the Reflection of Sibling Hierarchies
Explore how the iconic Mario and Luigi dynamic reflects real-life sibling hierarchies. This deep dive combines psychology, media analysis, and gaming culture to uncover the hidden messages behind 'Player One' and 'Player Two'.
Saving Ellie: The Ethics of Love, Duty and Sacrifice in The Last of Us
Explore the ethical dilemma at the heart of The Last of Us as Joel’s controversial decision to save Ellie is analyzed through deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. A deep dive into morality, love, and sacrifice in gaming
Decoding Gamer Motivation: A Critical Look at the Psychogenic Equilibrium Theory
Explore a critical review of the Psychogenic Equilibrium Theory of Gamer Motivation (PETGaMo) a ground-breaking framework that decodes why players game. Compare it with Bartle’s Taxonomy and Self-Determination Theory to see how PETGaMo bridges psychology and game design.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the Rise of Emotional Subtitles in Accessible Game Design
Discover how Assassin’s Creed Shadows is revolutionizing video game accessibility with emotional subtitles and non-verbal subtext, enhancing narrative comprehension for neurodiverse players, including those with autism and prosopagnosia. Learn why this innovative feature is a game-changer for inclusive storytelling.
Crafting Believable Swear Words in Games: A Linguistic, Discursive, and Psychological Guide
Learn how to create realistic and impactful fictional swear words using insights from linguistics, psychology, and cultural world-building. Perfect for writers, game designers, and storytellers.