The Conscious Controller: Designing and Playing Games for Well-being

Gaming is fun no doubt about it. However, is it genuinely good for us? Today I wanna take a look at two key ideas: ethical game design and mindful gaming(…see what I did there? 🤔😂).

Game Devs hard at work

Part 1: Ethical Game Design: Games Built..Responsibly?

Ethical game design is about creating games with a conscience. To me it means developers think carefully about the morality of their choices; from how it’s built to how it makes money, and ultimately how players interact.

The overall goal is to build worlds that support player well-being, rather than using shady tactics to gouge irl resources from us.

To better understand this, let's look at common game practices and how a more ethical approach could change them:

• Loot Boxes and "Gacha" 🫠:

  • The Problem: They’re basically slot machines. We buy chances to win, but the odds to get what we actually want are so low and are often hidden. This can encourage compulsive spending. We’re literally gambling haha!

  • Ethical Solutions to Consider: Full transparency about the odds. Offer alternative ways to earn desirable items besides buying chances. Focus on making the core game good!

• Grinding Til We Die:

  • The Problem: Forcing players to repeat boring or difficult tasks for many hours for nominal progress. We ALL have those games.

  • Ethical Solutions to Consider: Designing engaging and rewarding tasks that respect the player’s time. Make progress feel doable and meaningful without overly excessive repetition.

• Micro-transactions:

  • The Problem: While buying small items in-game is fine(e.g., cosmetics), it becomes unethical when games encourage us to buy cheat codes through shady campaigns like fabricating shortages of resources, or aggressively trying to target newer players.

  • The Ethical Solution: Ensure in-game purchases are FAIR and don't give unfair advantages in game. Don’t pressure us to buy 🤣

• Shady Notifications:

  • The Problem: The flippin pop-ups..MAN! We all got games with these. It’s those "daily login bonuses," or "limited-time offers" that create a FOMO effect and push players to come back game even when we don't really want to.

  • An Ethical Solution: Use notifications thoughtfully and sparingly. Respect players' boundaries and avoid creating that sense of urgency. Focus on making the game fun and enjoyable, not on maximizing compulsive returns.

• Toxic Communities:

  • The Problem: Many online communities have issues with harassment, cheating, and negative behavior. An example for me has always been League of Legends(if you know you know 🤣)

  • The Ethical Solution: Game Devs have a responsibility to create a system of clear rules, provide simple ways to report bad behavior and actively manage the communities to ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone.

It's about building trust, not JUST extracting value.

Part 2: Mindful Gaming: Playing with “Awareness”?

Mindful gaming teaches players to engage with games purposefully and consciously. Instead of just letting the game take over, mindful gamers(thats you!) pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, and even physical reactions while they play.

The Goal: Transform gaming from a simple distraction into an opportunity for self-awareness, managing emotions, and even personal growth.

Let's look at how mindfulness can change common gaming experiences:

• Managing Frustration: Imagine you're stuck on a tough level. Mindfulness helps you notice these feelings and choose an alternative path like taking a deep breath, or taking a break.

• Appreciating the Details: In an open-world game, instead of rushing to the next task, a mindful gamer might pause to truly check out sunset, hear the calming sound of rain, or notice the subtle movements of NPCs around you.

• Observing Emotions: After a tense match, you always feel some type of way. Mindful gaming allows us to observe these feelings without judgement. You understand they are temporary and can successfully choose how to respond, rather than being ruled by them.

• Taking Breaks: Kind of a recurring theme huh? Mindful gamers set limits for their sessions and aren’t afraid to take regular breaks. This helps ensure things stay FUN and not draining.

Mindful gaming gives you control. It allows you to shape your relationship with games your own way 🙂

Take these lessons and carry them with you into..

The Future: Why Both are Essential

Ethical game design and mindful gaming are not mutually exclusive. They work together.

An ethically designed game makes mindful gaming easier. When a game isn't trying to trick you into spending more or playing longer than YOU want..you're free to really enjoy! You feel respected, which helps you focus on the positives!

A mindful player can navigate any game better. Even if a game isn't perfectly designed, a mindful player can recognize when a mechanic may be shady, spot early signs of compulsive behavior, and make healthier choices about their own habits.

By understanding and promoting both ethical game design and mindful gaming, we can build a future where video games are not only fun and engaging but also genuinely contribute to our mental and emotional health. It's a call to all creators to build with care and for players to engage with awareness. Together we can creating a gaming world that truly benefits us all!

Thanks for reading everyone! 😬 What aspects of your own gaming habits could benefit from a more mindful approach?