From the sacred rituals of online communities to the moral dilemmas of post-apocalyptic worlds, this section explores how games mirror — and shape — human psychology. Discover how cognition, emotion, identity, and storytelling collide in digital spaces, revealing what play can teach us about ourselves, our culture, and the worlds we build together.
The Evolution of Princess Zelda: From Damsel to Architect
Has Zelda escaped the damsel trope? Trace her 40-year evolution across Ocarina, BotW, and Tears of the Kingdom to see how Nintendo handles female agency.
The Iterated Vengeance Dilemma: A Critical Analysis of Forgiveness, Trauma, and Humanizing the Enemy in The Last of Us Part II
This in-depth research paper analyses The Last of Us Part II through psychology, trauma theory, and game theory. Explore how narrative symmetry, empathy, and the iterated vengeance dilemma reveal the futility of revenge and the power of forgiveness in one of gaming’s most controversial stories.
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.
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.
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
Ichiban Kasuga: A Progressive Hero Undermined by Problematic Substories
Discover how Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth portrays Ichiban Kasuga as a model of modern masculinity, but undermines this with problematic depictions of consent in certain side stories.
Inside The Minds of Doki Doki Literature Club
Explore the psychological depth of Doki Doki Literature Club's characters—Sayori, Monika, Yuri, and Natsuki. Uncover themes of mental health, existentialism, and human nature in this engaging analysis of the game’s profound storytelling.
The Mind of a Monster Slayer: A Psychological Analysis of Geralt of Rivia
Explore the psychological depths of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher. This in-depth analysis delves into his trauma, resilience, relationships, and symbolic role as an antihero, blending psychological theories with emotional narrative to uncover what makes Geralt a truly compelling character.
Johnny Silverhand: A Psychoanalysis of Cyberpunk 2077’s Iconic Antihero
Discover a comprehensive psychoanalysis of Johnny Silverhand from Cyberpunk 2077. Explore his trauma, relationships, existential struggles, and journey toward redemption in this in-depth character study.
Silent Hill 2’s Angela: Trauma, Redesign, and The Psychology of Authentic Representation
Explore the psychology of trauma representation, examine the impact of redesign on character narratives, and explore how audience expectations shape responses to character changes in the remake.
The Tragic Descent of David Martinez: A Psychological Analysis of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Explore the psychological journey of David Martinez in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. This in-depth analysis covers his trauma, loyalty, and tragic descent into cyberpsychosis, shedding light on the mental toll of survival in a dystopian world.
Psychoanalysis of James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2: Guilt, Repression, and the Unconscious Mind
Explore the complex psyche of Silent Hill 2's James Sunderland through a psychoanalytic lens. Discover how themes of guilt, repression, and the Shadow shape his journey, revealing layers of subconscious drives and haunting symbolism in this psychological horror classic.