GDC 2025 Session Viewer

In this talk, Marie will explore the evolution from Dark Patterns to Fair Play, focusing on ethical game design solutions that prioritize user experience while maintaining business success. Dark Patterns—deceptive design strategies aimed at manipulating players—have increasingly come under scrutiny, impacting player trust and long-term engagement. By shedding light on these tactics, we will examine how ethical design can create a more transparent, enjoyable, and sustainable gaming environment. Through case studies and practical strategies, she will discuss how developers can balance user engagement with ethical responsibility, ensuring both player satisfaction and brand loyalty. This session will offer actionable insights into transforming manipulative designs into fair, user-centered experiences that foster trust and lasting success in the gaming industry.

Takeaway

Attendees gain insights into transforming deceptive design practices into ethical game strategies. They learn practical techniques to enhance user experience, increase player trust, and boost long-term engagement. By examining case studies, they discover how to align brand success with ethical responsibility, ensuring their designs prioritize player satisfaction and loyalty.

Intended Audience

The target audience includes game designers, developers, and product managers interested in ethical design practices. Participants benefit from understanding the impact of dark patterns and ethical alternatives. No specific prerequisite knowledge is required, but familiarity with user experience design principles will enhance comprehension and application of the concepts presented.