As video games continue to hold an increasingly prominent role in society, this thesis delves into the crucial dynamics between game mechanics and ethical play, focusing on two highly engaging digital games: "Pandemic" and "Papers, Please." Given their distinctive use of narrative elements, reward systems, and ethical dilemmas, these games provide a fertile ground for exploring how various gameplay facets shape a player's ethical decisions and emotional engagements. Utilizing a detailed analysis of these games and a comprehensive exploration of player interactions, this research aims to underscore the pivotal role of game mechanics in driving empathy, ethical contemplation, and decision-making among players. It further unravels the ways reward systems can steer players towards or away from ethical choices, shaping their unique ethical journeys. By illuminating the potential of games as formidable instruments for ethical education and introspection, this study suggests the value of considering these implications in game design. Consequently, this thesis enhances our understanding of ethical play within the ever-diversifying world of video games, thereby contributing to the broader discourse around the societal impacts of gaming.

Creator

• Ma, Zihan

Contributors

• Telliel, Yunus Dogan

Degree

• MS

Unit

• Interactive Media & Game Development

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• etd-112785

Keyword

• Ethical Gameplay
• Game Mechanics
• Game Ethics

Advisor

• Telliel, Yunus Dogan

Defense date

• 2023-08-11

Year

• 2023

Date created

• 2023-08-15

Resource type

• Thesis

Source

• etd-112785

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 International

Last modified

• 2023-08-23