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HALCYON WOODS

Fall 2020 - Spring 2021

Pratt Institute Graduate Capstone

Video games offer uniquely designed experiences that allow for utilization of escapism as a powerful tool for coping with anxiety. This exploration aims to dissect notions of state of mind through an atmospheric role-playing game relying on user input to form an individualized branching narrative.

 

The research for this exploration delves in to the complex history of mood disorders -- specifically those linked to anxiety -- their diagnoses, and current stigma of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). From there an analysis of video games, the basic needs which they satisfy, and gaming culture as it exists today informs potential translations from mental health treatment to the interactivity of the games.

 

By distilling patterns of interactivity from video games and pairing them with treatments and techniques for coping with GAD, this exploration hopes to find a middle ground to synthesize mechanics for a new form of participatory media for self-treatment.

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