The Embodiment of Kübler-Ross Model through Game Elements in GRIS and Its Impact on Player Experience

Abstract

GRIS is a platform-adventure video game developed by a Spanish developer Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital in December 2018. This game tells a story about a journey of a young girl who struggles to overcome her depression and fear. The phenomenon of GRIS as a visual representation of depression is seen as a befitted mean that explains the correlation between immersive-interactive media and real-life events experienced by the sufferers. This research article discusses the understanding of how game elements in video games such as GRIS delivers an immense impact on its players and how it reflects the psychological experiences of depression sufferers. Furthermore, this article discusses these game elements were used in the game to describe Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's 5 Stages of Grief Model and properly portray a psychological journey through an immersive game story. This research is conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach with phenomenological methods. Data obtained through observations toward GRIS and analysis of interpretations from 7 GRIS players who also have experiences with overcoming depression, obtained using in-depth interviews. Based on the observations and interviews conducted, the results are concluded that (1) there are debates on how depressive experiences were portrayed and presented on media according to players' actual personal ordeals and struggles, and (2) there is a mapping of game elements identified that builds communication through an impactful gaming experience. The results of this study can be used as a guide for further research and developing other story-rich game designs to improve emotional engagements with players.