scholarly journals Towards an Ethical Game Design Solution to Loot Boxes: a Commentary on King and Delfabbro

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Y. Xiao ◽  
Laura L. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Tax Relief ◽  
Game Industry

AbstractKing and Delfabbro (2019b) proposed the adoption of social responsibility measures to combat predatory monetisation in video games, such as loot boxes. This paper rectifies a game example mistakenly used by King and Delfabbro and provides further game examples to illustrate, critique and extend the proposed measures. This paper argues that the proposed measures are unlikely to be widely adopted by the video game industry, given the industry’s economic interests in the continued unhindered implementation of predatory monetisation, their preference for continued ‘self-regulation’ and their past resistance against potential regulation. With reference to South Korean law, this paper explores the possibility of codifying and enforcing the proposed measures as law and argues that overly paternalistic regulations are insensible and impractical. This paper recommends the use of regulatory nudging to encourage video game companies through incentives, such as discretionary grants and tax relief schemes, to adopt the proposed social responsibility measures and develop towards an ethical game design framework.

scholarly journals Towards an Ethical Game Design Solution to Loot Boxes: a Commentary on King and Delfabbro

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Y. Xiao ◽  
Laura L. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Tax Relief ◽  
Game Industry

King and Delfabbro (2019b) proposed the adoption of social responsibility measures to combat predatory monetisation in video games, such as loot boxes. This paper rectifies a game example mistakenly used by King and Delfabbro and provides further game examples to illustrate, critique and extend the proposed measures. This paper argues that the proposed measures are unlikely to be widely adopted by the video game industry, given the industry’s economic interests in the continued unhindered implementation of predatory monetisation, their preference for continued ‘self-regulation’ and their past resistance against potential regulation. With reference to South Korean law, this paper explores the possibility of codifying and enforcing the proposed measures as law and argues that overly paternalistic regulations are insensible and impractical. This paper recommends the use of regulatory nudging to encourage video game companies through incentives, such as discretionary grants and tax relief schemes, to adopt the proposed social responsibility measures and develop towards an ethical game design framework.

scholarly journals Creator’s discussion of the growing focus on, and potential of, storytelling in video game design

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mata Haggis
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Science Fiction ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Emotional Experiences ◽  
Video Game Industry ◽  
Personal Stories ◽  
Video Game Design ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
Made In

The video game industry, by its wider reputation, is not commonly regarded for its deep and thoughtful experiences. In its common media presence it is represented as frequently dealing with content that is excessively violent and usually expressing themes and genres that are otherworldly: science-fiction, horror, or fantasy. However, the broad reputation of video games’ reputation is not wholly deserved, partly due to an arthouse-esque movement growing rapidly alongside the larger, traditional releases. In the last decade, and five years especially, there have been an increasing number of games which tell personal stories that are either inspired by life or that are autobiographical and that defy that broader reputation. These games are often highly concerned with creating vivid and believable characters, telling personal stories, or conveying emotional experiences using interaction to enhance the narrative. This article discusses some of the key titles in this area, the debates in video game culture surrounding them, and some of the choices made in the development of the author's own narrative game experience 'Fragments of Him'.

She Designs Therefore She Is?

2016 ◽  
pp. 147-169
Author(s):  
Carolyn Michelle Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Video Game Industry ◽  
Video Game Design ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
Game Designer

Girls and women play video games in equal number to boys, yet they continue to be under-represented in the video game industry. The goal of this chapter is to examine initiatives that encourage gender equality in video game design. This chapter argues that the process of becoming a video game designer may have the potential to shift girls' notions of identity. Drawing on research on girls and video game design, as well as analyses of informal programs that teach girls video game design, this chapter emphasizes the intersection of design and identity. This chapter offers directions and recommendations for future research, including the need for expanded understandings of the cultural and democratic benefits of video game design for girls.

She Designs Therefore She Is?

2017 ◽  
pp. 441-464
Author(s):  
Carolyn Michelle Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Video Game Industry ◽  
Video Game Design ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
Game Designer

Girls and women play video games in equal number to boys, yet they continue to be under-represented in the video game industry. The goal of this chapter is to examine initiatives that encourage gender equality in video game design. This chapter argues that the process of becoming a video game designer may have the potential to shift girls' notions of identity. Drawing on research on girls and video game design, as well as analyses of informal programs that teach girls video game design, this chapter emphasizes the intersection of design and identity. This chapter offers directions and recommendations for future research, including the need for expanded understandings of the cultural and democratic benefits of video game design for girls.

She Designs Therefore She Is?

2018 ◽  
pp. 74-97
Author(s):  
Carolyn Michelle Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Video Game Industry ◽  
Video Game Design ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
Game Designer

Girls and women play video games in equal number to boys, yet they continue to be under-represented in the video game industry. The goal of this chapter is to examine initiatives that encourage gender equality in video game design. This chapter argues that the process of becoming a video game designer may have the potential to shift girls' notions of identity. Drawing on research on girls and video game design, as well as analyses of informal programs that teach girls video game design, this chapter emphasizes the intersection of design and identity. This chapter offers directions and recommendations for future research, including the need for expanded understandings of the cultural and democratic benefits of video game design for girls.

Should loot boxes be considered gambling or can Self-Regulation and Corporate Social Responsibility solve the loot box issue? A review of current UK law and international legislation

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-62
Author(s):  
Daniel James Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Star Wars ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Important Form

Loot boxes are an important form of monetization in the Video Game Industry (VGI). Loot boxes became controversial since the release of Star Wars Battlefront II in 2017 causing many jurisdictions to investigate loot boxes as a form of gambling. This article will highlight how loot boxes might be classified as a form of gambling in the UK under the Gambling Act 2005 but will examine alternate jurisdictions for guidance on the stipulation of ‘money's worth’ in section 6(5)(a) of the Gambling Act 2005 and whether money's worth has to be a quantitative amount or a more intrinsic value. This article will also examine soft law approaches in managing the loot box issue such as Self-Regulation and Corporate Social Responsibility. However, from this article one can see that the loot box issue is far from being solved and the larger issue of predatory monetization arises. This indicates even if the loot box issue is solved, users might still be harmed by the VGI using other monetization methods which are predatory and addictive.

Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Hartz Søraker
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design. Design/methodology/approach The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics. Findings Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition. Originality/value The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Video Game to Assess Problem-Solving Competence in Chemistry Education

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Annaggar ◽  
Rüdiger Tiemann
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Scientific Content ◽  
3D Game ◽  
Problem Solving Model

<p>The aim of this study is to present how to implement the constructive learning theory and self-determination theory into a video game. This video game is designed as a new kind of teaching tool for chemistry concepts and as an assessment tool for domain-specific problem-solving competence, by applying a problem-solving model and the factors of self-determination theory through game elements. These types of video games are designed not only to have fun and motivate students, but also to help the teachers and educators to assess their students according to their weaknesses and strengths in each particular phase of the competence. Thus, educators could improve their teaching strategy or use the tools to improve weak areas. Based on this idea, we developed ALCHEMIST. ALCHEMIST targeted the 9th-grade students in the German chemistry curriculum. The scientific content is about acids, bases, and indicators, and is designed and based on the problem-solving model to access this competence of the students. The 3D game framework was chosen for this game since it makes the game efficient, interactive and drives it into more virtual reality. The designing process was complicated, as it includes multidisciplinary work across psychology, design, scientific content, development and programming, which makes it challenging. To cover these points, we followed a game design model, adding some steps to cover the educational needs and the aim of the game.</p><p>In order to make the game more effective and interactive, and to drive it into a more virtual world, the 3D game framework was chosen for this game since for this age group a 3D educational game is expected to be more effective (Gunter et al, 2008; Terzidou et al, 2012) . Moreover, the use of avatars in the 3D virtual environment establishes non-verbal communication (NVC) features, which can foster collaboration interactions, and enhance the student’s ability to apply abstract knowledge later in reality (Dede, 1992; Tsiatsos and Terzidou, 2010). The log file provided shows the player points and gameplay path which indicates the performance levels for each problem set. Also, it can help teachers to evaluate each particular phase of problem-solving competence. After the success of the development of our game-based theoretical background, it will be tested and validated by experts in chemistry education. This validation process should examine if the problem-solving model is correctly applied and test the significance of the game design, scientific content and the game’s objective.</p><p>It may also be of interest to develop such video games with scientific content and educational background in other fields. It also would be a success for the scientist to apply the scientific content through a fantasy 3D video game to the students at different ages to have fun, to learn, and to assess their competencies.</p>

scholarly journals Analisis Visual Warna pada Game Post Apocalyptic (Studi Game The Last Of Us, Metro Exodus, dan Horizon Zero Dawn)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-31
Author(s):  
Daniel Kurniawan Salamoon ◽  
Cindy Muljosumarto
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Visual Media ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Visual Elements ◽  
Screen Capture ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Semiotic Theory

AbstrakVideo game sebagai bentuk media visual di era modern memiliki peranan dalam masyarakat sebagai salah satu bentuk hiburan yang bersifat interaktif. Video game terus berkembang dalam tata visual sebagai bentuk evolusi dari teknologi video game tersebut. Evolusi dalam video game membuat genre dalam video game juga mengalami perkembangan. Salah satu genre yang menjadi tren adalah genre post apocalyptic. Penelitian ini mencoba melihat narasi yang hendak disampaikan lewat tata visual beberapa video game dengan genre post apocalyptic. Metode yang dilakukan adalah dengan mengumpulkan data screen capture dari beberapa judul video game dengan rating yang baik. Dari metode ini, teori yang digunakan untuk melakukan analisa adalah teori semiotika khususnya yang berkaitan dengan tata visual pada video game khususnya elemen warna yang menjadi kunci genre ini dengan menggunakan software Image. Setelah itu data dianalisis lebih lanjut dengan metode AEIOU (Action, Environment, Interaction, Object, User). Studi ini memberi gambaran bagaimana tata visual yang menjadi ciri khas genre game post apocalyptic dan nilai estetis yang bisa dipelajari dari genre tersebut. Pada akhirnya studi ini dapat menjadi pondasi dalam melakukan riset warna khususnya dalam pengembangan sebuah video game Kata kunci : desain game, post apocalyptic, video game, warna AbstractVideo games as a form of visual media in the modern era has a role play in society as one of interactive entertainment form. Video games continue to grow in visual elements as evolution forms from video game technology itself. The evolution of video games also makes the genre of video games experience development. This research attempts to observe the narrative is to be conveyed through the visual elements of several video games with the Post-apocalyptic genre. The method used was to collect screen capture data from several video game titles with good ratings. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements of the video game, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements of the video game, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre using image software. Afterward, data analyzed subsequently with AEIOU's (Action, Environment, Interaction, Object, User) method. This study gives a description of how the visual elements become a characteristic of the Post-apocalyptic genre and the aesthetic value that can be learned from the genre. So eventually these studies can be the foundation in conducting color research especially in the development of a video game. Keywords: color, game design, post apocalyptic, video game

scholarly journals Regulating Loot Boxes as Gambling? Towards a Combined Legal and Self-Regulatory Consumer Protection Approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Y. Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Consumer Protection ◽  
Real World ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Approach ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
A Current

Loot boxes represent a popular and prevalent contemporary monetisation innovation in video games that offers the purchasing player-consumer, who always pays a set amount of money for each attempt, the opportunity to obtain randomised virtual rewards of uncertain in-game and real-world value. Loot boxes have been and continue to be scrutinised by regulators and policymakers because their randomised nature is akin to gambling. The regulation of loot boxes is a current and challenging international public policy and consumer protection issue. This paper reviews the psychology literature on the potential harms of loot boxes and applies the behavioural economics literature in order to identify the potentially abusive nature and harmful effects of loot boxes, which justify their regulation. This paper calls on the industry to publish loot box spending data and cooperate with independent empirical research to avoid overregulation. By examining existing regulation, this paper identifies the flaws of the ‘regulate loot boxes as gambling’ approach and critiques the alternative consumer protection approach of adopting ethical game design, such as disclosing the probabilities of obtaining randomised rewards and setting maximum spending limits. This paper recommends a combined legal and self-regulatory approach: the law should set out minimal acceptable standards of consumer protection and industry self-regulation should thrive to achieve an even higher standard.

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