Games for Transformation
Designing games that challenge, provoke, and encourage self-reflection through difficult topics
PhD Research
Game Design
Learning Games
PROJECT BREAKDOWN
Challenge
Design games that engage with complex, controversial topics in ways that encourage self-reflection and growth without alienating players.
Goal
Create a framework for integrating discursive topics into games, balancing emotional engagement with controlled exposure to support meaningful transformation.
Tools
Research Frameworks, Unity, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite
Roles
Research Through Design, Interviewing, Data Analysis, Visual Communication, Concept Development
Details
Team: Roberto, Stan Ruecker (Advisor)
Timeline: 4 years
Research
Using a Research Through Design approach, we conducted two phases: the first defined key frameworks (engagement, emotional investment, friction points, controlled exposure); the second analyzed case studies and prototypes. These insights shaped a new Discursive Topic Integration Framework.
Outcome
The framework provides actionable strategies for presenting complex topics in games, with a focus on emotional anchors and the timing of engagement. It helps designers create experiences that foster capacity, resilience, and emotional intelligence in players.
RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS
Topic Integration Framework
Designed a framework for introducing complex topics (political, emotional, or taboo) into games without breaking immersion. It outlines strategies for managing timing, intensity, and emotional framing within the “magic circle” of play.
Magic Circle Theoretical Perspective
Extended the magic circle concept to include friction points and discursive content. Introduced a metaphorical “bubble” model illustrating how engagement is sustained, expanded, or disrupted through topic delivery, emotional tone, and narrative coherence.
Self-Development Matrix
Created a matrix mapping four developmental modes (comprehend self, others, actions, and information) against emotional and cognitive friction. This tool helps designers target growth, empathy, and identity exploration through interaction.
Four Criteria for Design Theories
Co-authored a framework to strengthen the development of design theories. The criteria advocate for broad applicability, propositional language, integration with existing theories, and an acknowledgment of design’s inherently generative nature.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Research Through Design
Employed a Research Through Design methodology to examine how discursive topics can be introduced without disrupting player engagement. Prototypes served both as design outcomes and as tools for insight through iterative making, testing, and reflection.
Case Studies
Analyzed eight games (such as Celeste, Night in the Woods, and This War of Mine) for how they foster emotional engagement and self-development. Insights were drawn from gameplay, creator interviews, reviews, and critical discourse, then filtered through the framework developed in phase one.
Prototypes
Developed and analyzed three original games (Grimoire of Time, Apocalypse Cats, and Multilarity) as part of the research. Each prototype explored different design strategies for supporting self-development through emotional, social, or cognitive engagement.