

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

Sep 19, 2022 • 42min
The Psychology of Pokémon Is Out in the Wild!
Send us a textDr. Gameology is joined by Jenny and Gene to discuss the growth of the show and the release of "The Psychology of Pokémon: The Power to Catch 'Em All." Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, the real life person behind Dr. Gameology, wrote Chapter 15 of this book, and is getting ready to talk about it at Orlando Nerd Nite. The Gaming Persona crew talks about different ins and outs of seeing the Pokémon party have an impact in daily life so we can all aim to be our very best!Gaming Library:Pokémon, Danganronpa 2, Dark Souls, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Fallout 3 / Fallout 4, Bioshock, Griftlands, Temtem 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 12, 2022 • 1h 7min
Feeling Nostalgia in Our Video Games - Interview with Dr. Jamie Madigan
Send us a textThe host of The Psychology of Video Games podcast - Dr. Jamie Madigan - joins the show this week to discuss one of the chapters from his book; Getting Gamers. This week, we dive into nostalgia, how games use it, when it works, and why it sometimes doesn't work as well. Gaming Library:Elden Ring, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV Online, God of War / God of War: Ragnarok, Jedi: Fallen Order, The Last of Us: Part 1, Mario Kart 64, Rock Band, Resident Evil, Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Devil May Cry 4 / Devil May Cry 5, Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat 9 / MK Trilogy / Mortal Kombat 11, Dark Souls / Demon’s Souls, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, PokémonSupport 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 5, 2022 • 1h 18min
Are Orcs Depicted in a Racist Way - Interview with Dr. Chris Ferguson
Send us a textThe Gaming Persona welcomes Dr. Chris Ferguson to the show! This week, we review one of his research studies which explored perceptions from players related to whether orcs are portrayed in a racist way in Dungeons and Dragons.Gaming Library:Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Pokémon, Dead By Daylight, Assassin's Creed, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Dungeons & Dragons, PathfinderSupport 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!

Aug 29, 2022 • 60min
Quitting Games Can Be a Good Thing
Send us a textDr. Gameology and the Gaming Persona cast review games they have had to step away from. This difficult decision comes accompanied by research and player experiences from the entire group. This thoughtful discussion aims to bring gaming habits into a real-life context that helps to emphasize the value of knowing your in-game goals, and using play time as a way to help you move forward as your best self.Gaming Library:Live A Live, Assassin's Creed, Dead By Daylight, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Darkest Dungeon, Bioshock, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XIV, Resident Evil 5 / VII / VIII, World of Warcraft, Mega ManSupport 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!

Aug 22, 2022 • 1h 4min
Dead By Daylight and Asymmetric Multiplayer
Send us a textDr. Gameology has played Dead By Daylight for the first time. After an evening of getting chased down by Killers of all kinds, he reflects on the experience and discovers the research on this style of multiplayer. Spirited debate ensues on what winning and competition mean in the context of a game in this style. Gaming Library:Dead By Daylight, Borderlands, Oregon Trail, Among Us, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Mortal Kombat 2Support 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!

Aug 15, 2022 • 56min
Video Games Do NOT Reduce Wellbeing
Send us a textThe Gaming Persona reviews a recent publication by Vuorre et al. (2022) which found no significant reduction in wellbeing due to gameplay patterns. Dr. Gameology talks with Jenny and Gene to uncover what it is about video games that works for their week, and what they pay attention to so they can stay on the right path.Gaming Library:Persona 5, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Spiritfarer, Journey, Danganronpa , Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeSupport 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!

Aug 8, 2022 • 57min
Stray - the Psychology of Playing a Cat
Send us a textThe Gaming Persona talks about Stray! This game has been sweeping across the gaming world as one of our first best opportunities to run around the post-apocalyptic streets as a cat. The charm and mental shifts of playing as a cat definitely have an impact on the player. The TGP hosts all review their interactions with animals in games, and reveal the specific ways animals are used to create the gaming experience.Gaming Library:Stray, Final Fantasy XIV Online, The Last Spell, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Prince of Persia, It Takes Two, Journey, The Last of Us, Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Monster Hunter, Sea of Thieves, Persona 5 Royal, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto, Uncharted, God of War, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Last of Us: Part 2, Dark Souls, God of War: Ragnarok, Fall Guys, Alien Isolation, World of Warcraft, Tokyo Jungle, SporeSupport 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!

Aug 1, 2022 • 57min
Resident Evil and Survival Horror
Send us a textDr. Gameology reviews the Resident Evil franchise with Jenny and Gene. Research on problem solving and decision making is introduced to further the discussion of positive elements, even in games where players are running for their lives more than they are choosing to fight. Gaming Library:Resident Evil, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Nier: Automata, Phasmaphobia, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Fatal Frame, Resident Evil 5, Bioshock, Half-Life 2, Tetris, Dr. Mario, Medal of Honor, Everquest, World of Warcraft, Remission, Danganronpa, Assassin's Creed: Unity, God of War (PS2), God of War (PS4)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!

Jul 25, 2022 • 1h 2min
Understanding the Video Game Grind
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny review some of the games most notorious in the current gaming landscape for deploying grinding mechanics to extend gameplay interactions for their player base. The discussion extends to labeling different kinds of grinds, and each host shares their experiences being drawn in by these styles of game design.Gaming Library:Disgaea, Man of Medan, Until Dawn, Little Hope, Elden Ring, Sea of Thieves, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Nier: Automata, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Valorant, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, League of Legends, Street Fighter 5, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, Final Fantasy VII, Farmville, EvonySupport 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!

Jul 18, 2022 • 1h 6min
Life Skills We Learn In Video Games
Send us a textWe use so many life skills to conquer the many problems we face each day. Some of these skills are actually taught to us by video games. Each time we practice a new skill, we potentially level up in our abilities to handle new situations more effectively. This episode, The Gaming Persona welcomes in a new cohost to join the weekly discussion - Gene Wong! Now as a three person panel, the TGP hosts seek to expand the catalog of games and bring in new motivation perspectives to the ever expanding discussion of who we become when we play 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!