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.
Slay the Princess: Morality, Identity, and Cosmic Existentialism

Slay the Princess: Morality, Identity, and Cosmic Existentialism

Dive into the psychological depths of Slay the Princess, analyzing its themes of morality, identity, and existentialism. Discover how this indie game challenges players with complex choices and a profound exploration of human perception and cosmic duality

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

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 2’s Angela: Trauma, Redesign, and The Psychology of Authentic Representation

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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The Tragic Descent of David Martinez: A Psychological Analysis of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

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.

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Ethical and Psychological Implications of Brain Dances in Cyberpunk 2077

Ethical and Psychological Implications of Brain Dances in Cyberpunk 2077

Discover the ethical dilemmas and psychological effects of Brain Dances in Cyberpunk 2077. Explore issues of privacy, addiction, empathy, and identity as virtual reality blurs the boundaries of reality and memory in the cyberpunk world.

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Psychoanalysis of James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2: Guilt, Repression, and the Unconscious Mind

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.

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

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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Are We Shaping Future Societies Through Virtual Economies?

Are We Shaping Future Societies Through Virtual Economies?

Discover how video game economies like EVE Online mirror real-world finance, influencing players' views on money, trade, and ethics. Learn about the psychological and societal effects of virtual economies, from financial literacy to ethical challenges and future societal norms.

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

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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Has the Battle Pass Replaced the Subscription Model in Gaming?
J. C. Pass, MSc J. C. Pass, MSc

Has the Battle Pass Replaced the Subscription Model in Gaming?

Discover the impact of battle passes on gaming as they replace traditional subscriptions. Explore the pros, cons, and ethical concerns around this monetization model, including the psychological effects of FOMO, player engagement, and spending habits.

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

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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Evolution of Mental Health Representations in Video Games
J. C. Pass, MSc J. C. Pass, MSc

Evolution of Mental Health Representations in Video Games

Explore how mental health representations in video games have changed over the years, from early stigmatized portrayals to modern, nuanced depictions that foster empathy and understanding. Discover the impact of these changes on gaming culture and mental health awareness.

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What Pyramid Head Represents in Silent Hill 2: Trauma, Guilt, and Punishment

What Pyramid Head Represents in Silent Hill 2: Trauma, Guilt, and Punishment

Explore the deep psychological meaning of Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2 in this in-depth article. Uncover how this iconic horror figure represents guilt, punishment, and repression in James Sunderland's subconscious, with insights from Freudian psychoanalysis and symbolism.

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Silent Hill 2 Remake: A Triumph, but Bloober Team’s Past Representations of Mental Health Shouldn't Be Overlooked

Silent Hill 2 Remake: A Triumph, but Bloober Team’s Past Representations of Mental Health Shouldn't Be Overlooked

Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 remake excels in portraying complex mental health themes, but past games like The Medium mishandled similar issues. Explore where game developers must go next in handling mental health in gaming.

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