LifeSync-Games: Toward a Video Game Paradigm for Promoting Responsible Gaming and Human Development

TL;DR

LifeSync-Games introduces a framework using digital twins to connect virtual gaming with real-life activities, aiming to promote responsible gaming and human development across physical, mental, and social domains.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel framework that integrates digital twins into video games to enhance their developmental and responsible gaming potential.

Findings

Framework's theoretical foundations established

Design guidelines and evaluation approaches proposed

Early applications demonstrate versatility and relevance

Abstract

Technological advancements have made video games a central part of the digital lives of nearly 3 billion people worldwide. Although games can address various social, physical, and psychological needs, their potential to support human development and well-being remains underutilized. Research highlights both negative effects, such as addiction and isolation, and positive outcomes like cognitive improvements and problem-solving skills. However, public discourse and regulation often focus more on risks than benefits. To address this imbalance, we present LifeSync-Games, a framework leveraging simplified digital twins to connect virtual gameplay with real-life activities. This reciprocal relationship aims to enhance the developmental value of gaming by promoting self-regulation and fostering growth across physical, mental, and social domains. We present the framework's theoretical foundations, technological components, design guidelines, and evaluation approaches. Additionally, we present early applications in both new and bestselling games to demonstrate its versatility and practical relevance.