Making Deep Games

Doris C. Rusch is a game designer, researcher, play aficionado and holds a position as game design faculty at DePaul University. Before that she did post doctoral work at GAMBIT Game Lab, MIT, and Vienna University of Technology (Austria). Rusch's work is focused on the theory and practice of game design, particularly in regard to games that model the "human experience". She has won numerous awards for experimental, metaphorical games, many of which contributing to mental health awareness and activism, such as Akrasia (a game about substance abuse), Elude (a game about depression), Zombie Yoga - Recovering the Inner Child (a Kinect game in which the player does Yoga poses to fight inner fears, represented by Zombies) and Soteria - Dreams as Currency (a game for teens to learn how to overcome anxiety disorder). Having completed studies in Literature, Philosophy, Comparative Media Studies and English at Vienna University, she received her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and Interactive Systems in 2004.　

 Chapter 1: Diving for Deep Game Ideas


Chapter 2: Games as expressive medium









Chapter 3: Modeling the Human Experience or – the Art of Nailing Pudding to the Wall





Chapter 4: Experiential Metaphors or – What Breaking Up, Getting a Tattoo and Playing God of War Have in Common


Chapter 5: Allegorical Games – OR: The Monster Isn’t a Monster Isn’t a Monster…


Chapter 6: Designing With Purpose and Meaning – 9 Questions to Define Where You’re Going and Make Sure You Get There


Chapter 7: It’s Not Always About You! – Lessons Learnt From Participatory Deep Game Design


Chapter 8: The Same New Kid In Yet Another Hood – Deep Game Design as Creative Arts Therapy?