Games for neurodivergent players often prioritize external goals over personal interests
In short: A critical review of 66 publications found that games designed for neurodivergent individuals are frequently created using a top-down approach. Rather than focusing on what these players actually enjoy, the research suggests that current developments are primarily driven by outside interests, such as educational or medical objectives.
The study highlights a reliance on a medical model of disability, which can overlook the personal autonomy and immersive experiences of the players. By prioritizing external outcomes, these games may fail to support the self-determination of the people they are intended for.
The researchers analyzed existing literature to map out current trends in human-computer interaction. A limitation of this work is that it identifies a status quo based on existing publications rather than testing new game designs directly.
Why it matters: Designers should move beyond viewing disability as a deficit to create games that prioritize player autonomy and enjoyment.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Spiel and Gerling (2021). The Purpose of Play. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction. · other-oa
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