Close but Not Too Close: Distance and Relevance in Designing Games for Reflection

Reflection is an important precursor to attitude and behavior change, but existing advice on designing for reflection in games mixed requires further empirical investigation. We report the design evaluation (n=32) of a game prompt student work-life balance. Participants played as themselves or third person character (Alex). An inductive qualitative analysis post-play interviews, follow-up one week later, resulted four themes relating how gameplay facilitated reflection: making (sensible) consequences visible; it's like MY life; space between Alex I; triggers everyday life. A deductive also indicated that while both different forms majority players, those who role-played appeared more likely experience higher levels reflection. Through exploring ways which two versions succeeded, failed, support reflection, we highlight importance providing relevant context players (so feels close their experience), allowing them role-play someone other than (but not too close).