A design space analysis on death-reflective games

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Journal Title

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Volume Title

School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
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Authors

Date

2024

Department

artmed

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Taiteen ja median maisteriohjelma

Language

en

Pages

36+2

Series

Abstract

This Master's thesis defines and analyzes Death-Reflective Games (DRGs). While some DRGs have undergone in-depth analysis and qualitative research, there remains a lack of common identification and definition, as well as general analysis on a larger scale to recognize the design similarities they share. Death-Reflective Games (DRGs) are games that emphasize permanent death as experienced in real life. Through narratives of death or grief stories, or by creating death-impending situations, players are encouraged to reflect on death and its acceptance. This definition is strengthened by an identification framework explaining why some similar games concerning death were excluded. Based on the proposed definition and identification, a total of ten DRGs are selected and analyzed using the design space analysis method of MacLean et al. The ten games are deconstructed into different aspects, analyzed, and compared for their design similarities. The analyses result in a design space map for DRGs, promoting understanding of DRGs and also serving as guidance for designing new DRGs. In the end, the game In Between is presented to demonstrate the application of this map in guiding new designs. This thesis contributes by providing a clear definition of Death-Reflective Games (DRGs) along with an identification framework, aiming to establish a foundation for future research and studies on DRGs. A design space map for DRGs is introduced, offering insights into a deeper understanding and evaluation of DRG designs. Furthermore, the research process of defining, selecting, analyzing, and forming new designs suggests a potential workflow for future analyses of similar sub-genre games.

Description

Supervisor

Hämäläinen, Perttu

Thesis advisor

Rautalahti, Heidi

Keywords

death-reflective games, design space analysis, game design, empathy games, digital mourning, death-positive games

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Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202406234660

Collections

[master] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS