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.

Cartoon man sitting in a green armchair with arms crossed, wearing a hoodie with Psi symbol, brown pants, and brown shoes, looking serious or annoyed.
Blood and Reflection: The Psychology of Missed Potential in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Game Design and Psychology, Narrative Design in Games JC Pass Game Design and Psychology, Narrative Design in Games JC Pass

Blood and Reflection: The Psychology of Missed Potential in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

A psychological deep dive into Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Exploring missed potential, identity, and the loss of the Beast within a haunting neon Seattle, this essay examines how atmosphere outshines agency in Paradox’s long-awaited vampire RPG.

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The Painted World and the Price of Grief: Psychology at the End of Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Moral & Ethical Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Mastery & Narrative Design JC Pass Moral & Ethical Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Mastery & Narrative Design JC Pass

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.

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Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Where are the Children? When Cognitive Dissonance Impacts Immersion
Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology Theo Kincaid Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology Theo Kincaid

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Where are the Children? When Cognitive Dissonance Impacts Immersion

Why are there no children in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2? We look into how this absence impacts immersion and triggers cognitive dissonance. We explore the psychological effects, historical accuracy concerns, and potential reasons behind this design choice in Warhorse Studios' latest RPG sequel.

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Why Psychology Matters in Video Game Development
Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory, User Experience JC Pass Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory, User Experience JC Pass

Why Psychology Matters in Video Game Development

Discover why psychology is essential in video game development. Learn how understanding player behavior, emotions, and engagement enhances user experience, drives commercial success, and creates immersive gaming experiences. Explore the psychology behind game design, motivation, and player retention.

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Cognitive Dissonance in Video Game Character Design and Enviromental Factors
Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory JC Pass Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory JC Pass

Cognitive Dissonance in Video Game Character Design and Enviromental Factors

Discover how cognitive dissonance in video games affects player immersion, from inconsistent character behaviour to illogical game mechanics. Learn how developers can avoid common pitfalls and even use dissonance as a powerful storytelling tool.

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Point-and-Click Adventure Games: Pure Moon Logic or an Expression of Divergent Thinking?
Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory JC Pass Cognitive Psychology, Game Design and Psychology, Game Development & Design Theory JC Pass

Point-and-Click Adventure Games: Pure Moon Logic or an Expression of Divergent Thinking?

Explore the fascinating world of point-and-click adventure games in our in-depth article. Discover whether their quirky puzzles are pure moon logic or a testament to divergent thinking. Uncover the genre's history, evolution, and the balance between creativity and frustration that defines these beloved games.

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