UCLIC Research Seminar Series

Gameplay frequently involves a combination of positive and negative emotions, where there is increasing interest in understanding more complex forms of player experience. In this talk I will present the findings of three different studies that consider overlooked aspects of gameplay. The first focuses on reflection as a core component of the player experience through exploring what sorts of reflection players engage in, when they do so and how they feel about reflection. The second study examines uncomfortable gameplay interactions across different commercial games to investigate how discomfort manifests and influences player engagement. Finally, the third study focuses on player motivation, through examining the role of games during difficult life experiences. Through exploring reflection, discomfort, and gaming as a form of coping, the talk will discuss how games can invoke powerful experiences that impact how we think and feel beyond the instance of play.