News of the Institute of Media Informatics

Dr Kathrin Gerling - Research Colloquium

Ulm University

Vulnerability at Play: Digital Games in Sensitive Settings |

Contribution to the research colloquium 'Cognitive Systems'

on 6th June 2019.

Prof. Rukzio has invited Dr Kathrin Gerling, KU Leuven, Belgium, to present research results about Vulnerability at Play: Digital Games in Sensitive Settings.

Abstract: Digital games hold the promise of contributing to quality of life by providing engaging experiences for broad audiences. With the push of games into sensitive settings (e.g., games to encourage physical activity among older adults, or young people with mobility impairment), new challenges arise for researchers and designers.

In my talk, I will reflect on research projects involving vulnerable audiences, and the risks they take when engaging with games (or the risks we expose them to when inviting them to participate in play). Drawing from these projects, I will discuss implications for game design and the use of gaming technologies such as VR in sensitive settings, and develop new perspectives on challenges and opportunities of games for vulnerable player groupsDigital games hold the promise of contributing to quality of life by providing engaging experiences for broad audiences. With the push of games into sensitive settings (e.g., games to encourage physical activity among older adults, or young people with mobility impairment), new challenges arise for researchers and designers. In my talk, I will reflect on research projects involving vulnerable audiences, and the risks they take when engaging with games (or the risks we expose them to when inviting them to participate in play). Drawing from these projects, I will discuss implications for game design and the use of gaming technologies such as VR in sensitive settings, and develop new perspectives on challenges and opportunities of games for vulnerable player groups.

 

Further information about the colloquium.