The Gaming Persona
Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology
Welcome to The Gaming Persona, a unique podcast that traverses the exciting crossroads of gaming and mental health. With your host, Dr. Gameology, peel back the layers of the gaming world to discover its profound impact on our cognitive and emotional health. You'll understand how video games, far from being mere entertainment, can act as powerful tools for personal growth, stress relief, and mental resilience. Join fellow gamers and enthusiasts in thought-provoking discussions, unraveling the intricacies of game design, the psychology of gaming, and the surprising ways in which these elements influence our well-being. Immerse yourself in The Gaming Persona, the one-of-a-kind podcast that seamlessly blends the worlds of video gaming and mental health. Guided by our resident (but not evil) expert, Dr. Gameology, we endeavor to unlock the untapped potential of gaming as a catalyst for enhancing our mental resilience, stimulating personal growth, and promoting stress relief. The Gaming Persona is fascinated by the intricacies of game design, exploring the careful balance of challenges, rewards, narratives, and immersion that makes video games captivating experiences. Through engaging discussions, we illuminate the psychological aspects of gaming – the motivations, the emotional connections, and the gratification that players derive from their virtual adventures. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We also examine the transformative potential of video games on our mental landscapes. Drawing from a wide swath of research, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences, we highlight how gaming helps shape cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and social skills. The Gaming Persona is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to gain a new perspective on gaming - not as a mere hobby or a form of escapism, but as a powerful medium of self-improvement and well-being. Each episode of our show is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced blend of immersive storytelling, engaging discussions, and knowledge-packed content. We delve into the heart of game design, unraveling the intricate weave of elements that make video games a compelling form of entertainment and a profound tool for personal development.But we're not just about games. We're about you, the gamer. The Gaming Persona aims to cast a fresh light on the psychological facets of gaming that resonate with players. We decode the motivations, the emotional bonds, and the sense of fulfillment that gamers derive from their digital exploits. And it doesn't end there. As you tune in week after week, you'll discover the transformative power of gaming on cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social connections. You'll hear from researchers, mental health professionals, game developers, and fellow gamers who share their insights, experiences, and personal anecdotes.Imagine a podcast that can simultaneously entertain, educate, inspire, and challenge your perspectives. That's The Gaming Persona for you. By making us a part of your weekly routine, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, all while indulging in your love for video games.So, if you're ready to challenge the status quo and explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, join Dr. Gameology and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on this enlightening journey. So, why wait? Subscribe to The Gaming Persona today. Challenge your perspectives, enrich your mind, and game your way to mental resilience. With each episode, you won't just be playing; you'll be growing, learning, and evolving. Subscribe to The Gaming Persona now, and game your way to a healthier mind.#gaming #mentalhealth #thegamersjourney #wellbeing #gameology #gamingpersona #podcast #gamerlife #gamingcommunity #healthygaming #healthygamer #psychologyofgaming #continuethejourney
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 25, 2020 • 1h 6min
Motivation & Board Games
Send us a textThe topic this week is Board Games! Dr. Gameology and Jenny start to explore the psychological underpinnings of playing board games as a form of wonder and entertainment. The Road of Trials segment has the hosts take the Board Game Motivation Questionnaire found at quanticfoundry.com together, and they take the time to share their connection with most of the motivations as they respond to the Likert scale question format. Research on board games and DND are connected to the activity as it unfolds.Motivation Profile can be taken for free at: https://apps.quanticfoundry.com/ Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Nov 18, 2020 • 46min
Starter Discussion of Csikszentmihalyi
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny review current events related to the Oxford (2020) study stating that videogames seem to increase individual well-being, and then move into their topic of the week; Psychological Flow. Doc and Jenny review how this concept fits into some of their games and some of their work. Works from Jane McGonigal are also referenced as they use them to establish the four required components for calling something a "game." Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Nov 12, 2020 • 1h 3min
How TV Depicts Gaming - The Big Bang Theory Commentary
Send us a textFor the tenth episode of the show, Dr. Gameology and Jenny review their weeks, congratulate the X-Box fans for having a new console, and then embark on their first professor commentary. Using HBO Max or a viewing option of your choice, this episode is designed for you to watch the episode from the Big Bang Theory while listening. Afterwards, the hosts review what they saw and score the afflicted character using the 27-Item IGD Scale to establish some of the factors that go into gaming becoming a problem.What We WatchedBig Bang Theory: Season 2, Episode 3 - The Barbarian SublimationFor Commentary, start podcast at 23:55 and listen to the instructions, pushing play at the end of the countdown in the episode to watch along with our comments.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Nov 4, 2020 • 1h 2min
Addiction & the Dark Timeline
Send us a textInternet Gaming Disorder is identified as the key topic for this episode as Dr. Gameology and Jenny move forward from their conversation on the Dark Timeline in Episode 8. This potential future diagnosis in the DSM-5 is discussed from the perspective of game players and the clinical point of view. The connection between game elements, advertising, and personal factors are discussed with the intent to generate an insightful reframe that IGD is not simply playing a game at a high volume of time, but can also take in an increased consideration for player context.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Oct 28, 2020 • 58min
Games Save Us from the Dark Timeline
Send us a textThis episode introduces some new phases to the Hero's Journey as Dr. Gameology and Jenny explore the Dark Timeline. The topic focuses on three games from each host which altered the flow of events and dramatically led to the people Jenny and Doc have become to this point in their lives. The Dark Timeline is explored in the form of the "Nadir" phase, the period where all seems lost and the hero faces their toughest challenge. Both hosts then restore hope in the new "Apotheosis" phase were they review reasons to believe in hope and share what feels encouraging as the Hero continues to aim for success in their quest. Games that are discussed in this episode include several Star Wars games, Magic: The Gathering, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy 7, and a mystical 90's Jurassic Park game that absolutely exist.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Oct 21, 2020 • 47min
Cooperative Games
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny explore their experiences with cooperative style video games. The research focus on this episode includes gaming motivation, how we join in with other people during games, and how this relates to game enjoyment. The range of games mentioned include Phasmaphobia, Mario games, Among Us, and MMO style raids.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Oct 14, 2020 • 57min
Anxiety & Scary Games
Send us a textFor this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny explore the horror genre of videogames. Jenny shares experiences from Phasmophobia, and Doc shares his recent experiences completing different in-game challenges on stream with Resident Evil 7. The differentiation between fear and anxiety is drawn to expand the emotions many people experience in this form of videogame enjoyment. Multiple studies concerning the neuroscience of fear and the structure of fear-induced game situations are shared to create the mental health context for this style of game.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Oct 7, 2020 • 58min
Understanding Raid Teams
Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny share their experiences playing on raid teams in Star Wars: The Old Republic over the years, and connect this set of expectations with other areas of gaming. Explorations of how these topics connect with other styles of game (such as Pokémon Go) and what it takes to organize different kinds of people in an effort to share a common goal are reviewed. Research insights include geography based raiding, a comedic take on player types, and leadership qualities from inside the experience of playing online games.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Sep 30, 2020 • 56min
The Trinity of Player Roles (Tank - Heal - DPS)
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny share memories of their friend from their first raid team who passed away this week. The topic of the week focuses on explaining how player roles translate into strategies for success when playing in various team-based challenges inside MMO and other online games. A play-by-play example of how one of their fights from this week transpired is included to help newcomers understand how a raiding team has to prepare for certain tasks each night. The discussion for this style of gameplay becomes similar to other team-based games as opposed to simply logging in for escape or relaxation.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Sep 23, 2020 • 53min
The MMO Iceberg
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny begin the ordeal of discussing exactly what Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) are in the many genres of video games. The concept is likened to being an iceberg concept where what you see immediately does not necessarily tell the whole story of the various game systems a player is learning and being measured by. This is the first conversation in a long-running series of topics on the MMO style of video game.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
