On this episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of guilds in gaming and how they can help create an engaging play experience. Important concepts like forming groups, conquering bigger challenges, or connecting with the social opportunities of endless virtual worlds, guilds can add something to the experience of any gamer and motivation style. Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be...

We have made it to Episode 100 of The Gaming Persona podcast! Join us while we celebrate the show's past success and future potential.  The three hosts - Dr. Gameology / Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong - reflect on where the show started and where it is headed in the future. It’s a special edition of The Gaming Persona podcast that you don't want to miss! Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes...

This week, we’re talking about the three types of video game players: Casual, Mid-Core, and Hardcore. We explore the differences between these types of gamers, how it impacts their experience and more.   Join Doc and Gene while they dive into the exciting world of video gaming!  Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the...

Come join us on The Gaming Persona podcast as we interview Ricardo Williams, the leader of Orlando Nerd Nite. We'll discuss what it takes to put on a show every month and get his take on some of the latest superhero movies. Ricardo will share his insider perspective on what goes into putting together an event like Nerd Nite, from organizing volunteers to coming up with the themes for the evening.  Plus, hear his opinion on some of the most talked about superhero movies to hit theaters...

The Gaming Persona podcast dives deep into the many ways players beat video games, with an in-depth look at the three main paths to success – Winning, Finishing, and Prolonging. We'll discuss how players can achieve victory in a game by winning; what it takes to complete a game, from initial steps to finishing touches; and how prolonging a player's time in the game world can provide an even more satisfying experience than simply winning or finishing. Join us as we take a journey through these...

Join us this week on The Gaming Persona podcast as we dive deep into a new research study on solo gaming and the various psychological effects of game playing. We are joined by doc student from Mount Mary University, Tyler Secor, to review the most important gaming experiences in his journey to starting as a counselor educator and games researcher. This chat also carries a significant connection for Dr. Gameology which is discussed during the episode. Discover how being a game player...

In this episode of The Gaming Persona, we discuss how music is used in video games. We take a look at some classic titles and explore how the music helped to define the game's atmosphere and narrative. We also dive into the role of licensed soundtracks, composers, and sound designers in creating unique audio experiences that leave an impact on gamers. Join us as we explore the different ways music is used in gaming! Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock...

The horror survival game Dead Space has been a fan favorite since its release in 2008. Players take on the role of engineer Isaac Clarke, who must survive an intergalactic mining ship infested with alien creatures known as Necromorphs. This third-person shooter combines gore and jump scares with intense psychological elements, creating a thrilling experience for any horror fan looking for something different. Throughout this episode, we'll discuss the innovative ways in which Dead Space deals...

The Persona franchise has released on the current console generation, and now everyone can play Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal with greater access than ever before! This week, the podcast explores what these different games have to say about life, relationships, and growing up. What does Persona get really right, but also what are some problematic areas where it is important for everyone to remember these are anime inspired video role-playing games?  Support the...

The Last of Us has debuted on HBO, and it was an AMAZING adaptation for one of the greatest gaming stories of all time. The Gaming Persona shares their thoughts and talks about the importance of adaptation in helping new audiences understand exactly what the playing of video games is all about. Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! Follow me on Twitch! Come...

The Gaming Persona explores the question of whether or not video games are art.  Many have argued that video games are nothing more than time-wasting entertainment, however, when it comes to their artistic value the evidence proves otherwise. Video games offer so much more than mindless distraction; they can be powerful tools for self-expression and growth. From the stunning graphics and immersive soundtracks to character development and narrative storytelling, video game developers prove...

The Gaming Persona welcomes Dr. Lennart Nacke to talk about his work in UX Research and how it continues to help shape the design of games millions of players enjoy playing. Support our guest HERE. Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dr. Gameology is joined by both cohosts to talk about memorable experiences from playing roleplaying games (RPG's). Topics involve some of the greatest hits from our time as players, game structure, research findings, and exploring the impact of diagesis.  Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

God of War: Ragnarök  has been released! The Gaming Persona takes time to review the franchise, what it has meant to each of them, and the unique approach it takes at blending mythology with video game innovation for action and storytelling. Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Silent Hill 2 Remake has been announced for the PS5! The Gaming Persona takes the time to review the announcement and cover the historical significance of the Silent Hill franchise to fans of gaming and the survival horror genre. Gaming Library: Silent Hill 2, Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, WWE 2K22, Final Fantasy XIV Online, PT, Resident Evil, Flappy Bird, Phasmaphobia, Resident Evil Village, Emily, Pokémon, The Quarry, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Fallout 3 Follow me on...

Overwatch 2 was released in October 2022.  Dr. Gameology decided to (finally) play a PVP First-Person Shooter on Twitch, and he really liked it! Doc and Jenny decided to read books and look up reddit posts to get a full idea of where the research on Overwatch players has already gone, and they share their preliminary findings. Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks...

This week, Dr. Gameology and Gene bring in the President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, Stanley Pierre-Louis!! Topics included how video games support varied learning styles, which game titles assist with learning and other important experiences, and how our soft / hard skills are used to solve complicated puzzles in rapid ways while gaming. Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out...

This week, The Gaming Persona reflects on the September 2022 policy update for Gambling on Twitch Streams. Dr. Gameology taps into his past as the Clinical Director for statewide gambling treatment in Florida to shed light on the ways this impacts people requiring treatment in order to search for a pathway back to being their best self. Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links...

The Live Stream Twitch Celebration of the Two Year Gaming Persona Anniversary occurred on September 14th. Join Dr. Gameology (Dr. Daniel Kaufmann), Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong on a free flowing conversation looking back at Season 2 of the show, favorite moments, and hopes for the next season. Most of all, Continue the Journey!  Thanks to all of our listeners and supporters. We could not have made the show what it has become without the support and interest from all of you.  Gaming...

Dr. Gameology is joined by Jenny and Gene to discuss the growth of the show and the release of "The Psychology of Pokémon: The Power to Catch 'Em All." Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, the real life person behind Dr. Gameology, wrote Chapter 15 of this book, and is getting ready to talk about it at Orlando Nerd Nite. The Gaming Persona crew talks about different ins and outs of seeing the Pokémon party have an impact in daily life so we can all aim to be our very best! Gaming Library: Pokémon,...

The host of The Psychology of Video Games podcast - Dr. Jamie Madigan - joins the show this week to discuss one of the chapters from his book; Getting Gamers. This week, we dive into nostalgia, how games use it, when it works, and why it sometimes doesn't work as well.  Gaming Library: Elden Ring, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV Online, God of War / God of War: Ragnarok, Jedi: Fallen Order, The Last of Us: Part 1, Mario Kart 64, Rock Band, Resident Evil, Minecraft, Fortnite,...

The Gaming Persona welcomes Dr. Chris Ferguson to the show! This week, we review one of his research studies which explored perceptions from players related to whether orcs are portrayed in a racist way in Dungeons and Dragons. Gaming Library: Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Pokémon, Dead By Daylight, Assassin's Creed, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder

Dr. Gameology and the Gaming Persona cast review games they have had to step away from. This difficult decision comes accompanied by research and player experiences from the entire group. This thoughtful discussion aims to bring gaming habits into a real-life context that helps to emphasize the value of knowing your in-game goals, and using play time as a way to help you move forward as your best self. Gaming Library: Live A Live, Assassin's Creed, Dead By Daylight, Star Wars: The Old...

Dr. Gameology has played Dead By Daylight for the first time. After an evening of getting chased down by Killers of all kinds, he reflects on the experience and discovers the research on this style of multiplayer. Spirited debate ensues on what winning and competition mean in the context of a game in this style.  Gaming Library: Dead By Daylight,  Borderlands,  Oregon Trail,  Among Us,  Silent Hill,  Resident Evil,  Mortal Kombat 2

The Gaming Persona reviews a recent publication by Vuorre et al. (2022) which found no significant reduction in wellbeing due to gameplay patterns. Dr. Gameology talks with Jenny and Gene to uncover what it is about video games that works for their week, and what they pay attention to so they can stay on the right path. Gaming Library: Persona 5, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Spiritfarer, Journey, Danganronpa , Candy Crush, World of Warcraft,...