Compassionate Game Design: A Holistic Perspective for a Player-centric Game Design Paradigm for Games4health

Compassionate Game Design: A Holistic Perspective for a Player-centric Game Design Paradigm for Games4health

Compassionate Game Design: A Holistic Perspective for a Player-centric Game Design Paradigm for Games4health

Aslı Tece Bayrak

Abstract

"Despite the growing interest in using games for positive health outcomes such as alleviating disease symptoms, mental or physical therapies, or rehabilitation, finding suitable games or developing custom games fit for purpose is challenging for the researchers. Using commercial games for these purposes pose various usability challenges and health and safety pitfalls. When it comes to designing one, creating a compelling game is already challenging. This article presents a novel theory called compassionate game design that aims to encourage development of compassionate games with the help of a player-centric game design paradigm. The paradigm facilitates a closer exploration for affordances and limitations of games for players with (mental or physical) health conditions or with diverse physical and cognitive abilities. The main contribution of the paradigm is its ability to promote a closer focus on player resources and encourage a diverse inquiry towards creating games that are more compassionate."

Reference

Bayrak, A. T. Compassionate Game Design: A Holistic Perspective for a Player-centric Game Design Paradigm for Games4health. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345972522_Compassionate_Game_Design_A_Holistic_Perspective_for_a_Player-centric_Game_Design_Paradigm_for_Games4health

Keywords

game design, player-centric design, user-centered design, accessibility, games for health,  compassionate design