Satisfying frustration: How to make compelling games that encourage moral reflection
Satisfying frustration: How to make compelling games that encourage moral reflection
Satisfying frustration: How to make compelling games that encourage moral reflection
By Kolja Bopp, Kira Wanjek
May 2, 2024
Summary
Video games have emerged as potent tools for fostering moral development, allowing players to explore ethical dilemmas in a controlled environment. Through gameplay, individuals can experiment with behaviors and decisions without real-world consequences. Guided by intentional design, games provide unique opportunities for players to assume roles and powers beyond their everyday lives. By confronting players with moral dilemmas lacking clear solutions, games encourage reflection and offer firsthand experience of potential consequences. This approach, exemplified by a game created during a master's thesis, integrates theoretical frameworks to prompt meaningful player engagement and moral contemplation. Despite challenges, such games show promise in enhancing moral awareness and decision-making skills.
Reference
Bopp, K., & Wanjek, K. (2024, May 2). Satisfying frustration: How to make compelling games that encourage moral reflection. Game Developer. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/satisfying-frustration-how-to-make-compelling-games-that-encourage-moral-reflection