Project info
- Developer Jazz Chambers
- Showcase year 2025
- Programme Game Design and Production
Synopsis
My project explores the intersection between games designed for therapeutic purposes (electronic games for psychotherapy), entertainment games used as personal therapeutic tools, and art therapy practices in digital spaces. What design or mechanics can recreate art or psychotherapy practices in video games? How can empathy and narrative be explored in this way? Will they be just as effective? By applying this research practice to Minecraft, I aim to create a unique player experience that feels safe, introspective and allows for playful creativity, further enhanced by the design and aesthetics of the cozy genre implemented in its environment and atmosphere.
What motivated you to develop/create this project?
I liked the capability of games being so varied and malleable to create experiences that can move, teach, relax and improve people's quality of life just through interaction and play.
What has been a highlight of your time at Abertay?
Working alongside other amazing artists and designers hoping to create and inspire with their projects.
What are your hopes and future ambitions for after graduation?
I would love to work on projects that explore the nature of cosy and empathy/kind/wholesome games. We need more games that can provide a sense of peace, community, creativity, and playfulness sorely missed in the adult world. And maybe they too could benefit people's mental health, stress and personal growth or leave a lasting impact.
