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.
UX Design for Video Games: Merging Play and Intuitive Engagement
Explore UX Design for Video Games—key principles, player psychology, accessibility, and future trends to create immersive, intuitive, and engaging experiences.
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.
The Proteus Effect: How Our Avatars Shape Our Behaviour
Discover how the Proteus Effect influences behavior through digital avatars in gaming, virtual reality, and social media. Learn about its psychological mechanisms, real-world applications, ethical concerns, and future implications. Explore cutting-edge research on how virtual self-representation shapes confidence, identity, and social interactions
Mastering Virtual World Design: Balancing Freedom for Bartle’s Player Types
Discover how Bartle’s (2004) four player archetypes—Achievers, Explorers, Socialisers, and Killers—shape engaging virtual worlds, and explore strategies for harmonizing open-world freedom with structured gameplay.”
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.
Must-Read Psychology Books for Video Game Developers
Discover the 10 best psychology books for video game developers! Learn how player motivation, flow, and emotion shape great game design. Level up your skills today!
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.
Exploring the Implications of Lowering the VR Age Limit to 10: Balancing Innovation and Child Development
Explore the impact of Meta lowering the VR age limit to 10, examining potential risks and benefits for children's vision, development, and safety. Learn how VR affects young users and what parents should know before adoption.
Inner Torment: The Existential Horror of Silent Hill 2 and I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
Explore the psychological and existential horror of Silent Hill 2 and I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream. Discover how oppressive worlds, grotesque imagery, and themes of guilt and despair reveal the darkest aspects of the human psyche.
Girls in Games: From Plot Points to Protagonists
Explore the evolution of female characters in video games, from passive damsels to empowered protagonists. Discover key milestones, the impact of representation, and the growing diversity shaping the future of gaming.
How to Use Interrogation & Psychological Warfare in D&D 5e
Master the art of interrogation and psychological warfare in D&D 5e! Discover tactics, roleplay tips, and DM advice to add tension, moral depth, and cunning strategies to your campaigns. Unleash fear, deception, and long-term plans to shape your story.
What the Mannequins Represent in Silent Hill 2
Explore the psychological symbolism of what the mannequins Silent Hill 2 represent. Uncover how these grotesque creatures reflect James Sunderland's repressed desires, guilt, and inner turmoil in this in-depth analysis of design, behaviour, and narrative themes.
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.
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.
Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Benefits: The Power of Narrative Video Games in Literacy Education
Discover the power of narrative video games in enhancing literacy skills. Learn how to overcome challenges and maximize the benefits of this innovative approach to education.
GGEZLOL: How the Language of the Internet Creates a Bar to Entry
Explore how internet slang, memes, and emojis shape modern communication. Learn about generational divides, cultural barriers, and ways to create inclusive digital spaces in 2024.
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
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.
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.