Healthier by Design MSc Thesis
Title: Healthier by Design: A Multimethod Approach to Creating a Game-Design Framework Pertaining to Players’ Mental Health
Authors: Daniel Tõevälja, Yo’Av Dar
Institution: Stocholm University (SU), Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Sweden
Date and language: Spring term 2022, English
Type: Thesis at MSc level degree project 30 HP ( Degree project at the master level )
Key words: design framework, mental health, video game, game designers, players wellbeing
Advisor: Mirjam Palosaari Eladhari
Abstract
The gaming industry has grown to be part and parcel of modern-day society. Many video games are played by tens of millions of people. Video game development has a rich history starting from the 1950s. At first, the industry was explored merely by few; however, it has grown with the technological advancements and mass adoption of the field.
This study explores the specific area where game design and mental health overlap. The field is relatively new in academia and has not seen many publications. Furthermore, this study builds a framework that could be used to design various types of games with a focus on players’ mental wellbeing (which due to the vast overlap in definitions, this study will use mental health and wellbeing interchangeably).
The research question of this project is, What important success factors are there in a framework for designing games focusing on mental wellbeing? It aims to solve the problem of a research gap in addressing game development for positive effects on the players’ mental health, and conversely, how to avoid adverse effects.
In the process of the study, two data gathering methods were used. Firstly, semi-structured interviews with designers of video games. This was the primary source of data to build the proposed frameworks. Secondly, document research was used to gather data from existing frameworks. These two methods have produced an interesting combination of findings that were later combined into the framework.
The framework proposed in this study supports players’ mental wellbeing, while helping design games in a more sustainable way for the developer.
There are three parts to the frameworks: At the top, the connection is drawn to existing frameworks; at the bottom, goals are described – both aspirational, as well as ones which should be avoided; and the core contains different steps and other elements to achieve designers’ aim and have a positive and meaningful impact on players’ mental health.