Psychology of Video Games Podcast

This podcast episode discusses the challenges video games present to people with ADHD, the connection between ADHD and executive functions, and recommendations for working with ADHD and gaming addiction. It also explores the appeal of video games to individuals with ADHD and strategies for minimizing distractions and improving focus.

The podcast explores the psychological effects of in-game purchases, discussing the impact of perception of money, irrational behavior related to free items, the influence of incentives, understanding the cost of virtual items, and the concept of psychological waste in gaming.

Sometimes we have to sell people on the merits of games like Dungeons & Dragons. People like parents, principals, teachers, or even our own significant others Usually this comes in the form of telling them all the great benefits playing brings --learning math, reading, communication, teamwork, social skills, and more. D&D is also often specifically praised for its ability to help neurodivergent people develop needed skills, or to provide "therapeutic" experiences for anyone.But can it? Does it? If so, what can game masters and other players do to make it happen?Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0"Call to Adventure" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This podcast delves into the fascinating topic of immersion and presence in video game worlds. It explores the impact of technology and game design on creating a sense of immersion, discusses the origins of virtual reality and the development of VR gaming systems, examines the role of haptic feedback and natural control schemes in enhancing immersion, and explores how game design choices and technological advancements work together to create immersive environments in video games.

Psychologists and games researchers discuss the concept of role-playing and its effects. They explore tabletop and video games, community-building, personal growth, negotiation, and consent. Ad breaks feature Lucky Land Slots and Bakers. They discuss the future of Dungeons and Dragons and ways to encourage role-playing. They also address barriers, alternative games, and the transformative nature of role-playing. The guest's work and sponsors are highlighted.

What can the psychology of loot drops tell us about the evolution of the Diablo series?Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Can playing a lot of games lead us to become better at explaining why a given character or behavior is moral or immoral?Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0"Sneaky Snitch" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, I'm flying solo and doing a deep dive into what one theory has to say about why we're motivated to play video games, with an emphasis on grinding in particular.

There's a growing trend among therapists who bring people together --often children, but sometimes adults-- to play Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games in a therapeutic context. Run by game masters who are qualified mental health professionals, these sessions help people dealing with ADHD, autism, learning disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other diagnoses. Using their expertise both in the game and in providing therapy, these dungeon masters set goals, guide players into encounters that help them reach those goals, and then pause so that the group can reflect, ponder the application of what they've experienced to life outside the game, and grow.How does it work? How WELL does it work? What makes tabletop role-playing games such a good vehicle for therapy in this way? Those are all questions I will ask of this episode's guest expert.Audio Credits:“Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0"Friendly Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

I talk about some of the psychology behind sales, especially digital sales that have no physical items or storefronts involved. What are some of the things that digital storefronts do --either intentionally or not-- that you should know about so that you can approach sales on your own terms?