The Psychology of Video Games by Celia Hodent

The Psychology of Video Games by Celia Hodent

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
Summary

The Psychology of Video Games introduces the relationship between psychology and video games from the perspective of game makers and players. Assuming no specialist knowledge, it looks at how games are made, what makes them fun and successful, benefits gaming can have on players, and ethics considerations.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free US shipping over $15
  • Buying preloved emits 41% less CO2 than new
  • Millions of affordable books
  • Give your books a new home - sell them back to us!

The Psychology of Video Games by Celia Hodent

What impact can video games have on us as players? How does psychology influence video game creation? Why do some games become cultural phenomena? The Psychology of Video Games introduces the curious reader to the relationship between psychology and video games from the perspective of both game makers and players. Assuming no specialist knowledge, this concise, approachable guide is a starter book for anyone intrigued by what makes video games engaging and what is their psychological impact on gamers. It digests the research exploring the benefits gaming can have on players in relation to education and healthcare, considers the concerns over potential negative impacts such as pathological gaming, and concludes with some ethics considerations. With gaming being one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, The Psychology of Video Games shows the importance of understanding the human brain and its mental processes to foster ethical and inclusive video games.

In her new book, Celia Hodent offers a brilliant journey into the psychology of videogamesThis book provides not only an insightful analysis of the psychological processes engaged in all types of games but also how to nurture such processes to make videogames fun and meaningful for the players. Importantly, Celia Hodent doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions: she discusses thoroughly, in a honest and scientific way, the potential benefits and negative effects of videogames and the ethical issues raised by using psychology to create videogames. A definite must-have for all the gaming community but also for everyone interested on the growing role that psychology and psychologists play in UX.

Grégoire Borst, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Université de Paris, and Director of LaPsyDÉ (CNRS), France

The Psychology of Video Games is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the vast and pixelated minefield of video game research. It not only gets under the psychological hood of why we play games, but also how these games impact both players and society. Readers will quickly discover that, like the tiny-round classic video game character Kirby, The Psychology of Video Games is filled with way more information than seems possible given its concise size.

Patrick M. Markey, Professor of Psychology at Villanova University and coauthor of Moral Combat: Why the War on Violent Video Games Is Wrong

It’s been said that good video games are engaging because they are actually psychology at play. Nowhere is that more evident than in Celia Hodent’s latest book, The Psychology of Video Games. Thought-provoking and fascinating, her book provides a practical and empirical case for why we find video games so enjoyable to play. If you want to know more about the intersectionality of cognitive neuroscience and user-centered design, look no further!

Matthew Farber, Ed.D., Assistant Professor at University of Northern Colorado, author of Gamify Your Classroom and Game-Based Learning in Action.


In her new book, Celia Hodent offers a brilliant journey into the psychology of videogames. This book provides not only an insightful analysis of the psychological processes engaged in all types of games but also how to nurture such processes to make videogames fun and meaningful for the players. Importantly, Celia Hodent doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions: she discusses thoroughly, in a honest and scientific way, the potential benefits and negative effects of videogames and the ethical issues raised by using psychology to create videogames. A definite must-have for all the gaming community but also for everyone interested on the growing role that psychology and psychologists play in UX.

Grégoire Borst, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Université de Paris, and Director of LaPsyDÉ (CNRS), France

The Psychology of Video Games is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the vast and pixelated minefield of video game research. It not only gets under the psychological hood of why we play games, but also how these games impact both players and society. Readers will quickly discover that, like the tiny-round classic video game character Kirby, The Psychology of Video Games is filled with way more information than seems possible given its concise size.

Patrick M. Markey, Professor of Psychology at Villanova University and coauthor of Moral Combat: Why the War on Violent Video Games Is Wrong

It’s been said that good video games are engaging because they are actually psychology at play. Nowhere is that more evident than in Celia Hodent’s latest book, The Psychology of Video Games. Thought-provoking and fascinating, her book provides a practical and empirical case for why we find video games so enjoyable to play. If you want to know more about the intersectionality of cognitive neuroscience and user-centered design, look no further!

Matthew Farber, Ed.D., Assistant Professor at University of Northern Colorado, author of Gamify Your Classroom and Game-Based Learning in Action.

Celia Hodent is an expert in the application of cognitive science and psychology to improve products, systems, services, and video games. She currently leads an independent UX consultancy, working with a wide range of international media and enterprise companies.

She works in-depth with companies to help ensure their products are both engaging and successful by considering the entire user experience they will provide to their audience. Celia conducts workshops and provides guidance on the topics of playful learning (gamification), ethics, implicit biases, and inclusion in tech and video games.

Celia holds a PhD in psychology and has over twelve years experience in the development of user experience (UX) strategy in the entertainment industry, and more specifically with videogame studios through her work at Ubisoft, LucasArts, and as Director of UX at Epic Games (Fortnite). Celia is the author of The Gamer's Brain: How Neuroscience and UX can Impact Video Game Design and The Psychology of Video Games.

SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780367493134
ISBN 10 0367493136
Title The Psychology of Video Games
Author Celia Hodent
Series The Psychology Of Everything
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Year published 2020-10-08
Number of pages 116
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.