News - Designing for Empathy: Games as Tools for Social Justice Advocacy #946363123545 (2025-02-03)

Designing for Empathy: Games as Tools for Social Justice Advocacy

Thanks to Doris Patterson for contributing the article "Designing for Empathy: Games as Tools for Social Justice Advocacy".

This paper explores the evolution of digital narratives in mobile gaming from a posthumanist perspective, focusing on the shifting relationships between players, avatars, and game worlds. The research critically examines how mobile games engage with themes of agency, identity, and technological mediation, drawing on posthumanist theories of embodiment and subjectivity. The study analyzes how mobile games challenge traditional notions of narrative authorship, exploring the implications of emergent storytelling, procedural narrative generation, and player-driven plot progression. The paper offers a philosophical reflection on the ways in which mobile games are reshaping the boundaries of narrative and human agency in digital spaces.

This paper examines how mobile games can enhance players’ psychological empowerment by improving their self-efficacy and confidence through gameplay. The research investigates how game mechanics such as challenges, achievements, and skill development contribute to a player's sense of mastery and competence. Drawing on psychological theories of self-efficacy and motivation, the study explores how mobile games can be designed to provide players with a sense of accomplishment and personal growth, particularly in games that focus on skill-based tasks, puzzles, and strategy. The paper also explores the impact of mobile games on players' overall well-being, particularly in terms of their confidence and ability to overcome challenges in real life.

This paper examines the rise of cross-platform mobile gaming, where players can access the same game on multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. It analyzes the technologies that enable seamless cross-platform play, including cloud synchronization and platform-agnostic development tools. The research also evaluates how cross-platform compatibility enhances user experience, providing greater flexibility and reducing barriers to entry for players.

This research investigates how mobile games contribute to the transhumanist imagination by exploring themes of human enhancement and augmented reality (AR). The study examines how mobile AR games, such as Pokémon Go, offer new forms of interaction between players and their physical environments, effectively blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. Drawing on transhumanist philosophy and media theory, the paper explores the implications of AR technology for redefining human perception, cognition, and embodiment. It also addresses ethical concerns related to the over-reliance on AR technologies and the potential for social disconnection.

This research examines how mobile gaming facilitates social interactions among players, focusing on community building, communication patterns, and the formation of virtual identities. It also considers the implications of mobile gaming on social behavior and relationships.

2025-02-03

Microeconomic Simulations of Player Choices in Virtual Economies

This research explores the role of reward systems and progression mechanics in mobile games and their impact on long-term player retention. The study examines how rewards such as achievements, virtual goods, and experience points are designed to keep players engaged over extended periods, addressing the challenges of player churn. Drawing on theories of motivation, reinforcement schedules, and behavioral conditioning, the paper investigates how different reward structures, such as intermittent reinforcement and variable rewards, influence player behavior and retention rates. The research also considers how developers can balance reward-driven engagement with the need for game content variety and novelty to sustain player interest.

Jeffrey Reed 2025-02-03 published post

2025-02-03

Evaluating Cognitive Load in Augmented Reality Game Experiences Using EEG

This research explores the relationship between mobile gaming habits and academic performance among students. It examines both positive aspects, such as improved cognitive skills, and negative aspects, such as decreased study time and attention.

Jacob Murphy 2025-02-03 published post

2025-02-03

Monetization Strategies in Gacha Games: A Game-Theoretic Approach

This paper investigates the ethical implications of digital addiction in mobile games, specifically focusing on the role of game design in preventing compulsive play and overuse. The research explores how game mechanics such as reward systems, social comparison, and time-limited events may contribute to addictive behavior, particularly in vulnerable populations. Drawing on behavioral addiction theories, the study examines how developers can design games that are both engaging and ethical by avoiding exploitative practices while promoting healthy gaming habits. The paper also discusses strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of digital addiction, such as incorporating breaks, time limits, and player welfare features, to reduce the risk of game-related compulsive behavior.

Benjamin Powell 2025-02-03 published post

Designing for Empathy: Games as Tools for Social Justice Advocacy

Related

Microeconomic Simulations of Player Choices in Virtual Economies

Evaluating Cognitive Load in Augmented Reality Game Experiences Using EEG

Monetization Strategies in Gacha Games: A Game-Theoretic Approach

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