Games Reflection:

1.(https://playspent.org/ )  liked how Spent showed the tough choices people in poverty face, making it easier to understand their struggles. However, it was frustrating that no matter how careful you are, things often go wrong, unlike in real life where planning can help more. The game also oversimplifies some of the bigger issues. Still, it taught me how stressful life can be when you’re always choosing between bad options. It would be better if the game allowed for more realistic solutions and outcomes.

2.( https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32057601 ) In the BBC Syrian refugee game, I appreciated how it put me in the shoes of a refugee facing life-or-death decisions, giving a sense of the constant fear and uncertainty these people endure in that situation . However, it was a little irritating how often things felt out of my control, no matter what choices I made, survival was a constant struggle, this felt limiting, especially since I value strategic thinking and planning. The game also tackled the complex emotional and social challenges refugees face. Still, it taught me a lot about the harsh realities of displacement. It could be improved by allowing for more diverse outcomes based on decisions, i also observed it was easier to play as male, since i played as both make and female.

3.(https://h5p.org/branching-scenario#example=439819 ) In the Ryerson University’s Skills Practice: A Home Visit game, I particularly liked how it gave insight into the role of nurses and or doctors assessing someone’s mental health, showing the delicate and sometimes unsettling nature of these visits. However, it was expected that the game didn’t allow for more flexible interactions or responses, as many scenarios seemed to force certain outcomes regardless of approach, it conveyed the seriousness of mental health checks, also it deepened my understanding of the challenges health professionals face during such visits.

4.(http://www.depressionquest.com/) Playing Depression Quest really opened my eyes to what it’s like to live with depression. As a guy who completed a rigorous military training program even though i don’t like to talk about it , I’m used to tackling tough physical challenges and mental challenges, but this game showed me how hard even the simplest tasks can feel when you’re dealing with mental health issues. It made me realize how depression messes with your decision-making and can make you feel trapped. Being a college sophomore, I could relate to the stress of juggling responsibilities while trying to handle emotional struggles. Overall, the game made me appreciate how important it is to be understanding and supportive of people going through similar things.

5.(https://caitkirby.com/downloads/Fall%202020.html) i enjoyed navigating through the game, it’s realistic, but i didn’t like how over exaggerated this person is and how they’re constantly stressing themself and those around him, reminds me of some classmates back in school, there’s room for improvement regarding this.

6.(https://caitkirby.com/downloads/October1st2020.html) similar to the previous, i also found this individual extremely hyperbolized in all situations, i remember covid but these people are just too worried, especially since my characters were young, which means a strong immune system, they would’ve handled covid.

7.(https://aliacreates.wordpress.com/2022/05/09/digital-narrative-game-phase-5-final-draft/) this game is nice because, it shows that we can’t always help someone in need and that we just have to sit and listen to people vent sometimes, even though it might affect you negatively, i think you should still go above and beyond if you really love someone.

Comparison:

The games I played all explore complex emotional and social challenges, each focusing on different aspects of human experience. Spent and the Syrian Refugee Game highlighted the tough decisions faced by individuals in poverty and displacement, while Skills Practice: A Home Visit and Depression Quest delved into the difficulties of mental health, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The COVID-19 student and teaching simulations showcased the pressures of navigating responsibilities during a pandemic, illustrating how my decisions could impact health and safety. Overall, these games fostered awareness and compassion for diverse struggles.