Gaming Industry Innovates Inner Worlds for Enhanced Player Experiences

The gaming industry, valued at over US$200 billion (£158 billion) globally, has surpassed the music and Hollywood industries combined. Despite its success, challenges like market shrinkage post-pandemic peak have led to layoffs and studio closures. Game developers are now focusing on exploring the inner worlds of gaming characters to enhance player experiences.

Research spanning three decades has revealed insights into inner experiences, such as thoughts, memories, emotions, and visual imagery. This once deemed unfeasible to study aspect is now a crucial part of cognitive science, with the potential to revolutionize gaming.

Modern video games continue to evolve, offering immersive experiences through lifelike graphics and captivating audio design. Critics, however, argue that games sometimes feel more like passive film-watching experiences than interactive engagements.

To deepen gaming experiences further, delving into inner experiences like inner speech and autobiographical memory could add layers of complexity. By incorporating these nuances, games can provide a more personalized and engaging journey for players.

While games like Disco Elysium and Hellblade have started portraying characters' inner experiences uniquely, there is still room for improvement in depicting the rich tapestry of inner worlds. Understanding inner experiences not only boosts gaming creativity but also has practical implications for mental health, accessibility, and sensory inclusion.

Gaming, with its potential for diverse and immersive experiences, can serve as a platform for exploring different minds and promoting mental well-being. The ultimate goal is to create enjoyable and therapeutic gaming experiences that cater to individual differences, fostering creativity and inclusivity.