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GameEthos: Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Interactive Entertainment

About GameEthos

GameEthos is a Montreal-based research initiative dedicated to exploring the ethical dimensions of game design and the psychological impact of games on players. Founded in 2020, we bring together academics, game developers, and industry experts to promote responsible game development practices. We believe that games have the power to shape individuals and society, and it is our mission to foster a deeper understanding of this complex relationship.

Our work spans a wide range of topics, from the ethical considerations of virtual violence to the impact of game mechanics on player behavior and the role of games in shaping moral values. We are committed to conducting rigorous research and disseminating our findings through publications, conferences, and educational programs. Dr. Isobel Dubois, a leading scholar in the field of game ethics, serves as our lead researcher, providing strategic direction to our scholarly pursuits.

At GameEthos, we champion the creation of games that are not only engaging and entertaining but also ethically sound and psychologically beneficial. We work to provide developers with the insights and tools they need to make informed design choices that promote positive player experiences and contribute to a more ethical gaming industry.

We are deeply invested in understanding how game mechanics, narrative choices, and social interactions within games influence player behavior. Our research investigates the ways in which games can promote prosocial behaviors, encourage critical thinking, and foster empathy. Conversely, we also examine the potential for games to reinforce harmful stereotypes, encourage aggression, or contribute to addiction.

GameEthos collaborates with universities, research institutions, and game development studios around the world to conduct cutting-edge research. We actively seek opportunities to partner with industry professionals to translate our research findings into practical guidelines and best practices for game development. We are committed to bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice, ensuring that our work has a tangible impact on the gaming landscape.

Our team is passionate about promoting a more ethical and responsible gaming industry. We believe that by raising awareness of the ethical and psychological implications of game design, we can empower developers to create games that are not only entertaining but also contribute to a more positive and enriching player experience. Join us on our mission to navigate the ethical landscape of interactive entertainment.

Our Team

Isobel Dubois, Lead Researcher

Isobel Dubois, Ph.D.

Lead Researcher

Dr. Dubois is a renowned expert in game ethics and media psychology. Her research focuses on the impact of virtual environments on moral reasoning and behavior. She guides the overall direction of GameEthos's scholarly pursuits and collaborations.

Kenji Tanaka, Research Associate

Kenji Tanaka, Ph.D.

Research Associate

Professor Tanaka specializes in the psychological effects of video game violence. His research explores the relationship between virtual violence and real-world aggression, and he advises on strategies for mitigating potential negative effects.

Anya Sharma, Behavioral Economist

Anya Sharma, M.A.

Behavioral Economist

Anya Sharma brings expertise in behavioral economics to analyze how game mechanics can influence player decision-making. She examines the ethical implications of reward systems, framing techniques, and other persuasive elements in game design.

Elara Vance, Narrative Director

Elara Vance

Narrative Director

Elara Vance is a leading narrative designer who has worked on several award-winning games. She brings her real-world experience in crafting ethically driven choices in narrative-based video games, and assists in making those choices both believable and meaningful.

Contact Information

We are always happy to hear from researchers, developers, and anyone interested in ethical game design and player psychology.

GameEthos Research Group
1326 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Montreal, QC H3A 3C6
Canada

Phone: +1 415-409-1002 ext. 5678

Email: info@ga-me-ethos.com