Abstract
The overarching challenge that connects the projects within this portfolio is the fundamental tension between technological capability and ethical responsibility, specifically in an era of digital immersion. While the global gaming market is predicted to reach massive scales in the upcoming years, the industry as a whole faces a design crisis in which the same psychological triggers used to foster learning can rather be weaponized for financial exploitation. For example, in the case of dark patterns, which are user interface elements that are intentionally designed to trick users into doing things they do not mean to do, it is revealed that such deceptive UX can lead to both significant financial loss and psychological distress for a given player. As the digital worlds exhibited in games become more expansive by the day, the gap between technical design potential and regulatory oversight continues ot widen, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. By addressing both the technical mechanics of immersion and the socio-technical implications of game design choices, this portfolio argues that the future of game development must strive to transition from a model of player capture to one of intentional, healthy engagement.
In a fictional universe, even the smallest choice in gameplay has the potential to deepen a player's emotional connection to a given game. The Technical Research Project focuses on the exploration of a variety of gameplay mechanics to craft an immersive, enjoyable experience for players, fitting within the context of the original universe of BLOODY BURGER. On the programming side, core game design principles were applied to develop multiple gameplay modes fitting the narrative, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the role of the protagonist. With art direction, a heavy focus was placed on designing characters and in-game locations with their own visual identity, using style to deepen emotional resonance and support the world’s tone. In terms of music composition, tracks were composed to align with art direction, narrative, and gameplay, creating a unified experience connecting these elements to enhance the overall immersion of the game. The design process prioritized treating game mechanics as expressive tools, with feedback from playtests informing future considerations to improve the game experience. This work also reflects the collaborative process of a small indie team, consisting of a programmer, artist, and musician working in three different aspects of game creation to bring a cohesive vision to life within the Unity game engine. Together, the game showcases how intentional design choices in programming, art, and music direction complement and enhance gameplay mechanics to build a captivating experience within the world of BLOODY BURGER.
To best supplement the design process of the technical project, the main goal of the STS Research Project is to investigate the psychological effects of immersive game mechanics and explore how game design can leverage mental models to positively shape engagement, learning, and social interaction. Immersive gameplay refers to the deep engagement a player experiences when interacting with a game. Elements such as narrative, mechanics, and sensory feedback effectively contribute to an all-encompassing experience. While games are primarily seen as a form of entertainment, they can also be used in fields such as education, therapy, and social interaction. Given its relevance to a wide range of subjects, understanding the psychological effects of immersive games is essential for developers to design experiences that are engaging for an audience in an ethically responsible manner. Immersive gameplay is closely interconnected with various scientific, technological, and societal factors, influencing how technology interacts with and shapes society. Cognitive science is central to understanding the psychological effects of immersive gameplay, as it explores how players' mental processes are influenced by game mechanics. Game design choices play a crucial role in shaping these experiences, as technological advancements enable more engaging and impactful gameplay. Furthermore, society can either benefit from or suffer negative consequences depending on the ethical considerations and psychological impact of these game experiences. For these reasons, it is crucial to consider how immersive game technology interacts with society, as its design can either enhance positive outcomes like learning and social connection or contribute to negative effects such as addiction, exploitation, and emotional manipulation.
Similarly, the STS Research Paper investigates the following question: How do the design archetypes of dark patterns and positive patterns in video games differently shape the ethical landscape of player immersion and mental health? Using a comparative case study methodology grounded in the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework, the research evaluates the power dynamic sthat exist between game developers and players. The study’s major claims center on the psychological impact of two district design philosophies: one where the player is captured and another where the player flourishes. The research compares two games along with their design choices to evaluate the lasting impact they have on their player base. In all, the research concludes that game mechanics are never theicall neutral. Rather, they are intentional psychogal architectures that can be used to subvert or support user agency. Ultimately, the paper argues that for the game industry to maintain long-term consumer trust and avoid increased regulatory oversight, developers must transition from implementing exploitative, metric-driven models toward a compassionate design framework that prioritizes the well-being of the player.
