Psychology

In Real Life

What Does Your Favourite Game Say About You? As A Person?

4:00PM January 26, 2012 | Luke Plunkett

Sadly, it seems I missed Slacktory’s excellent “What Your favourite Video Game (Series) Says About You” feature from a few weeks back. More »


In Real Life

A Fresh Look At The Video Game Time-Suck

12:30PM November 4, 2011 | Kirk Hamilton

You’re playing a game, moving from objective to objective, and suddenly you look over and… six hours have passed. Where did the time go? More »


In Real Life

The Psychology Behind Games: Designer’s Playbook

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2:30PM September 20, 2011 | Tracey Lien

Many of us play through games and enjoy them just as they are, giving little thought to the design or the psychology behind what we’re playing. Kotaku reader and QUT game design student (who also has a background in psychology), Dominic Williamson, has gone that extra step with his Designer Playbook series. More »


In Real Life

The Psychology Of Good Game Design

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3:00PM May 18, 2011 | Mark Serrels

Apparently we play Farmville because we want to look like good parents, and play Grand Theft Auto for the feeling of power and autonomy. We play Angry Birds because of our primal need to shoot at stuff and Call of Duty because we enjoy being overwhelmed. The Guardian has just posted an extremely interesting article about the psychology of game design, and it’s well worth reading. More »


Uncategorized

Study Of ‘Game Transfer Phenomena’ Examines Why Some Get Tetris-on-the-Brain

7:00AM May 15, 2011 | Owen Good

If you’ve ever closed your eyes and seen tetrominoes falling into place, or Angry Birds slamming into stone walls, you’re experiencing “game transfer phenomena,” and it involves more than mentally playing a game long after it’s finished. More »


News

Research Proves Online Gaming At Work Is Good For You – And For Your Boss

8:47AM March 5, 2011 | Meredith Carpenter and Lillian Fritz-Laylin

Are you in danger of getting fired because of too much gaming at work? If so, here’s a scientific study you need to know about (and perhaps slip into the “to-read” pile on your boss’s desk): “Games at work: the recreational use of computer games during working hours.” More »


News

A Video Game, Violence And Depression Study That Looks At The Big Picture

6:00AM March 2, 2011 | Mike Fahey

Over the past decade, countless studies have arisen supposedly proving a causal link between video games, violent behaviour and depression. A new study conducted by Christopher J. Ferguson pinpoints why all of the others may have gotten it wrong. More »


News

Psychologist Clarifies Bulletstorm Comments To Fox News

1:30PM February 24, 2011 | Owen Good

One of the two experts quoted in Fox News’ notorious hit-piece on Bulletstorm has clarified his remarks, and while he stands by them, says their presentation lacks context – and that he enjoys playing Mature-rated shooters in his free time as well. More »


News

Monkeys Express Self-Doubt Through Computer Gaming

6:00AM February 23, 2011 | Mike Fahey

Are self-doubt and uncertainty purely human traits, or do other members of the animal kingdom experience these feelings? A team of scientists made monkeys play video games because it’s awesome. Oh, and to address the whole self-doubt thing. More »


In Real Life

What Makes Zombies So Terrifying?

6:00AM February 16, 2011 | Mike Fahey

As the entertainment world’s zombie outbreak continues unabated, one of the nation’s top minds seeks an answer to a pressing question: What makes humans fear these brain-hungry abominations, aside from the whole brain-eating thing. More »