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.
In-Game Rewards: Understanding Why Video Games Are So Addictive
Discover the psychology behind in-game rewards and why video games are so addictive. Learn how dopamine, variable rewards, social comparison, and progression systems keep players engaged. Explore ethical considerations and healthy gaming habits.
Do Micro-Transactions in Video Games Lead to Gambling?
Explore the link between video game micro-transactions and gambling behaviour. Learn how loot boxes, battle passes, and in-game spending impact players, especially youth, and what regulations can mitigate risks.
Understanding the Symptoms of Gaming Addiction
Explores the symptoms and broader impact of gaming addiction, a condition that can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Ethical In-Game Purchases: A Case Study of Gwent
Gwent, a digital collectible card game developed by CD Projekt Red, provides an exemplary model of how in-game purchases can be handled respectfully and ethically. This article explores the mechanisms and strategies used by Gwent to ensure fair and respectful in-game purchasing, supported by peer-reviewed research on ethical game design and consumer behaviour.
Ethical Framework for In-Game Purchases
The framework outlined here encourages ethical in-game purchase systems that safeguard players from financial harm and addiction.
Why We Spend: The Psychology of Virtual Currencies in Online Games
This article explores the psychological reasoning behind the use of virtual currencies in online gaming, examining how these systems influence player behaviour and drive engagement. By drawing on peer-reviewed research, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological mechanisms at play.
The Psychology of In-Game Rewards: How Video Games Keep Us Hooked
Video games have evolved from simple pastimes to complex interactive experiences that captivate players for hours on end. One of the key elements contributing to their allure is the use of in-game rewards. These rewards, ranging from virtual items and achievements to experience points and loot, play a significant role in keeping players engaged and motivated. In this article, we'll delve into the psychology behind in-game rewards and how they are designed to keep players hooked.