Date of Award
5-2024
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Computer Science BS
Department
Computing
First Advisor
Craig Carey, Ph.D.
Advisor Department
English
Abstract
This showcase of interactive experiences is designed to simulate and explore the hidden struggles of neurodiversity using game mechanics. It draws on my personal experience as an individual on the autistic spectrum to explore the relationship between game forms, academic scholarship, and critical thinking. The showcase aims to demonstrate the scholarly side of video game development and what video games, as a medium, have the potential to become within academia. Unlike articles or videos, video games have the unique quality to be interactive and immersive, allowing designers to experiment with mechanics as a tool for creating thoughtful and reflective experiences. Drawing on theories of critical game design, my interactive showcase and its critical introduction utilize the language of games to reflect on some of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
Copyright
Copyright for this thesis is owned by the author. It may be freely accessed by all users. However, any reuse or reproduction not covered by the exceptions of the Fair Use or Educational Use clauses of U.S. Copyright Law or without permission of the copyright holder may be a violation of federal law. Contact the administrator if you have additional questions.
Recommended Citation
Samblis, Mary, "Neurodivergent Gaming: Critical Game Design and Scholarly Practice" (2024). Honors Theses. 979.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/979