Psychology of Videogames

Development - Characters - Gameplay

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.
Horror & Psychological Horror in Games, Horror & Fear Design, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Horror & Psychological Horror in Games, Horror & Fear Design, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

Scarlet Hollow and the Horror of Having Your Agency Taken Seriously

Scarlet Hollow is frightening because it treats player choice as social evidence. A spoiler-light psychology essay on agency, consequence, and what happens when a game actually remembers who you chose to be.

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Social & Identity Psychology, Character Analysis, Social Psychology, Narrative Design in Games, Game Mastery & Narrative Design J. C. Pass, MSc Social & Identity Psychology, Character Analysis, Social Psychology, Narrative Design in Games, Game Mastery & Narrative Design J. C. Pass, MSc

When Family Becomes a Weapon: Criminal Kinship in Like a Dragon

From Kiryu’s orphanage roots to Ichiban’s 'Bond Levels,' this analysis examines the shift from feudal yakuza structures to modern chosen families. Discover how the Like a Dragon series uses attachment theory and 'identity fusion' to explain why we bleed for the group.

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Narrative Design in Games, Social & Identity Psychology SPP Team Narrative Design in Games, Social & Identity Psychology SPP Team

Performing Redemption: Self-Determination, Identity, and Existential Labor in Wolfstride

An in-depth psychological analysis of Wolfstride explores how its mecha battles and menial labor mirror the struggle for identity, autonomy, and redemption. Using Self-Determination Theory, this essay reveals how true heroism lies in the quiet work of repair.

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Game Design and Psychology, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Game Design and Psychology, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

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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Social & Identity Psychology, Identity & Self-Representation, Cyberpunk 2077, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Social & Identity Psychology, Identity & Self-Representation, Cyberpunk 2077, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

Identity Theft in the Age of Digital Souls: The Psychological Horror of Stolen Consciousness in Cyberpunk 2077

Examine how Cyberpunk 2077 redefines identity theft in the context of consciousness transfer, exploring the deep psychological implications of losing control over one's self in a digital era.

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Silent Hill, Horror & Fear Design, Horror & Psychological Horror in Games, Inclusive Game Design & Representation, Character Analysis, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Silent Hill, Horror & Fear Design, Horror & Psychological Horror in Games, Inclusive Game Design & Representation, Character Analysis, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

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.

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Emotional & Affective Psychology, Thematic Analysis, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Emotional & Affective Psychology, Thematic Analysis, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

Someone Was Listening: Dodie, Life Is Strange, and the Terror of Letting Someone In

A psychological analysis of Dodie’s “Someone Was Listening” from Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, exploring vulnerability, trust, Safi, Max Caulfield, emotional defences, and the fear of being helped.

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Social & Identity Psychology, Social Psychology, Narrative Design in Games Theo Kincaid Social & Identity Psychology, Social Psychology, Narrative Design in Games Theo Kincaid

From Sage to Sidekick: Has the Wise Old Man of Jungian Mythology Transformed into the 'Pint-Sized Pal' of Video Games?

Explore how video games transformed the wise old man archetype into quirky companions. Explore the evolution of mentorship in gaming, from Merlin to Navi, and discover why these pint-sized pals are more than just comic relief.

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Developmental Psychology, Moral & Ethical Psychology, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc Developmental Psychology, Moral & Ethical Psychology, Narrative Design in Games J. C. Pass, MSc

Psychological Themes in Life is Strange

Life is Strange, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed episodic graphic adventure game that explores complex psychological themes through its narrative and character development. This article delves into the psychological aspects of Life is Strange, focusing on themes such as trauma, identity, morality, and the impact of choices. By examining these elements through the lens of psychological theory and research, we can gain a deeper understanding of how video games can effectively convey profound psychological experiences.

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