Through seven distinct and innovative titles, we'll explore the core principles of exceptional game design, analysing how each game blends mechanics, narrative, art, and music to create unforgettable experiences.
Read MoreDifferent games, from Guild Wars 2 to Dark Souls, challenge our approach to strategy and tactics. By comparing their design choices, player interactions, and community-driven dynamics, we can uncover the importance of adaptability and flexibility.
Read MoreThe historical evolution of video game monetisation traces a path from physical expansion packs to the modern era of microtransactions, loot boxes, and Games as a Service. This shift has fundamentally altered game design, normalised dark patterns, and raised ethical questions about the economic relationship between developers and players.
Read MoreWe’ll explore exploitative practices in gaming, the impact on relationships and decision-making, and the manipulative power of competition; reflect on the need for intrinsic motivation and whether the ends justify the means in dopamine-driven entertainment.
Read MoreLet's discuss strategies and tactics for winning games, including learning the game, adaptability, visualising the opponent's moves, managing resources and costs, determining the order of operations, and controlling value.
Read MoreI enjoy exploring the depths of our society through RPG campaigns, such as examining how the vampire sects in the World of Darkness relate to real-world issues. They offer a unique perspective on the challenges of our time.
Read MoreLet's look at World of Warcraft's transformation from a subscription game into a digital retail empire built on subtle dark patterns. We will analyse how the WoW Token, character boosts, and FOMO-driven cosmetics manipulate player psychology and create a pay-to-win environment that devalues the core player experience.
Read MoreLet's look at the dark patterns embedded within the free-to-play model of League of Legends. We will analyse how its cosmetic-driven economy, manufactured meta instability, and use of manipulative psychological techniques are ethically questionable at best, for the real-world harm they cause players.
Read MoreLet's talk about how the seemingly wholesome game Pokémon GO uses manipulative dark patterns disguised as health benefits and social connection. We'll deconstruct its pay-to-win structure, monetisation strategies, and the psychological hooks like FOMO and the sunk-cost fallacy that create an addictive and profitable experience.
Read MoreGames can contain details that serve as commentary on the ideology of our times, whether intentional by the designers and developers or not. Let's explore some interesting ways in which commentary on society and its systems can manifest in games.
Read MoreGames can be tricky to talk about. Are our methods of categorisation sufficient? Are genres too restrictive to allow creativity, or too loose to have any meaningful value?
Read MoreOur desires aren't always genuinely our own. Forces around us constantly influence our decisions without us realising it. Gaming, due to its interactive nature, makes manipulation far more potent than if it were passive. This manipulation, used on us in gaming, is known as dark patterns.
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