Design Stories

One Must Imagine the Gamer Happy
|Christon Walker
Camus argued that meaning is found in the struggle itself. In our synthesis of this philosophy, the moment a player accepts the repetitive task (the grind) as a deliberate choice, they become superior to it. They find autonomy and mastery in the focus required. The effort, when chosen, is not a burden. We believe one must imagine the gamer happy in their chosen endeavor. Read more...
The Inherited Save: Why We Miss the Games We Never Played
|Christon Walker
Even if you didn't grow up in the 16-bit era, you've inherited the memory of it being a safe place to land. By choosing a game that is "complete" the moment you turn it on, you are stepping into a legacy of play that was designed to be restorative, not demanding. Read more...
The Daily Buffer: Why Your Gaming Session is More Than Just "Play"
|Christon Walker
The research suggests that when we engage in activities we truly love, like a mindful gaming session, we aren't just escaping reality. We are actually building a defense system. Read more...
The Science of Topping Up
|Christon Walker
Research into gaming for recovery shows that certain types of play help the brain detach from the stressors of the day. Read more...