GDC 2025 Session Viewer

Discover the hidden psychological forces behind the most addictive games in this eye-opening session. Dive into the darker side of player engagement, where feedback loops, emotional manipulation, and time-based mechanics are designed to keep players hooked, sometimes at a cost. Learn how game design taps into human vulnerabilities, creating compulsive behaviors and emotional dependencies. Using real-world examples from blockbuster titles, the speaker reveals shocking insights into how seemingly fun experiences can become dangerously immersive. This session challenges designers to rethink their approach, offering strategies to create engaging games that captivate players responsibly. Prepare to confront the ethical dilemmas lurking in the shadows of game design!

Takeaway

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how psychological triggers like feedback loops, FOMO, and emotional manipulation influence player behavior. Using real-world examples, the speaker provides actionable insights into designing engaging yet ethical gameplay experiences, helping developers balance immersive design with responsible practices to avoid exploiting player vulnerabilities.

Intended Audience

This session is ideal for game designers, developers, and UX professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of player psychology and engagement strategies. Attendees should have a basic knowledge of game design principles, as the talk will delve into advanced topics related to behavior-driven design and ethical considerations in creating immersive experience.