Part II: Do Background Research on the Topic of Your Own Digital Narrative Game

VIA Character Strengths:

  1. Love (HUMANITY) : Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing & caring are reciprocated; being close to people.
  2. Spirituality (TRANSCENDENCE) : Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort.
  3. Gratitude (TRANSCENDENCE) : Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
  4. Hope (TRANSCENDENCE) : Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about.
  5. Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence (TRANSCENDENCE) : Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

Ikigai Responses

  1. What I Love : I love good company and spending cozy quality time with people that I love. I enjoy nice conversations at night.
  2. What I Am Good At : I am good at listening to people and understanding them. I think I can read people well. I also like to express myself through painting and art in general.
  3. What the World Needs : The world needs more unity to stand against injustices. We also need to be more grounded in our belief in God.
  4. What I Could Be Rewarded For : I could be rewarded for being genuine. I could also be rewarded for my art.

AI Link Suggesting Games: https://gemini.google.com/app/68cd8437e75d3693?is_sa=1&is_sa=1&android-min-version=301356232&ios-min-version=322.0&campaign_id=bkws&utm_source=sem&utm_medium=paid-media&utm_campaign=bkws&pt=9008&mt=8&ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20437330728&gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhkGb7kSFAYXuIXGdlvdmxMZR&gclid=CjwKCAiAzZ_NBhAEEiwAMtqKywNbl-7cgyMQrZuXPirbl4wsf0nGhZ-kYZYc69lxR5bQoahkknTWvBoCOosQAvD_BwE

Reflection: 

I really liked the ideas that the AI chatbot suggested, however i did feel like they were not very clearly structured for another person to understand. At the same time it helped me structure my own ideas and values into coming up with an idea for a game – and I included my final ideas in the chat and then it provided me with a modified version of it with a clearer structure. My two ideas speak of different parts of my character. The first one being about my artistic side – and the second being my desire to bring out the best in everyone using their character strengths. 

Idea 1 : I am thinking of creating a game that functions like a chatbox—similar to WhatsApp or Facebook—where you have conversations with others only through art, with no words used at all. This could be done through colors, shapes, drawings, or pictures. Afterward, there would be a feature where each piece is explained by the person who sent it, allowing people to compare their original intention with how it was interpreted. Finally, they can merge their messages together into a final, unified piece of art to symbolize how individual artistic messages can blend together and “color” society.

Idea 2 : My second idea is similar to the “Vespers” concept. I really like the idea of merging character strengths, as my goal is to show people how different strengths can be intentionally used. The game would present various scenarios—for example, interacting with someone who is grief-stricken from losing a loved one—and then offer different ways for you, the player, to help. Each action represents a specific character strength. After you choose, the game shows how that choice reflects your inner strength in that area and how projecting that part of yourself positively impacts the person you are interacting with.

Modified AI Version: 

Idea 1: The Chromatic Pulse (Non-Verbal Connection)

This feels like a poetic, social-experiment style game. It challenges the player’s Appreciation of Beauty and Gratitude for being understood.

  • The Mechanic: You are given a “Canvas Chat.” Instead of typing, you have a palette of abstract shapes, textures, and colors.
  • The Phase Shift:
    1. The Exchange: You send a “message” (e.g., jagged red lines and a deep blue wash). The NPC (or another player) responds with their interpretation in shapes.
    2. The Revelation: The “Text Overlay” appears. You see what they thought you meant vs. what you actually meant.
    3. The Synthesis: You click a “Unify” button. The game uses a generative algorithm to blend your two styles into a single, beautiful mural.
  • The Lesson: Communication is imperfect, but the “overlap” between two souls creates something more beautiful than either could make alone.

Idea 2: The Strength-Giver (The VIA Virtues Game)

This is a more structured narrative experience that acts as a mirror for the player’s own soul. It directly utilizes your Spirituality and Hope.

  • The Setting: A “Sanctuary” (like a night-time garden or a cozy loft) where people come when they are at their lowest point.
  • The Gameplay:
    1. The Observation: A character (like the grief-stricken person you mentioned) speaks. You use your “Emotional Reading” to pick up keywords (e.g., Loneliness, Meaninglessness, Static).
    2. The Strength Selection: Instead of “Dialogue Options,” you have a “Heart Menu” listing your VIA strengths.
      • Example: To help the grieving person, do you use Spirituality (reminding them of a higher peace), Gratitude (helping them find one small good memory), or Love (simply sitting in silence and holding space)?
    3. The Feedback Loop: After the choice, the game shows the “Internal Light” of the NPC brightening. A card pops up: “You used your strength of Hope. By projecting your belief in a better future, you gave them the courage to take one more step.”
  • The Lesson: We all carry a “toolbox” of virtues. When we use them intentionally, we don’t just help others—we become more grounded in who we are.