Games that Transform: Is It Possible to Combat Deceptive Patterns and Promote Well-Being Through Digital Games?

• Alairton Sousa Junior Federal University of Ceará http://orcid.org/0009-0004-5744-9818
• Nayana Carneiro Federal University of Ceará https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8253-6375
• Caio Nunes Federal University of Ceará https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5997-3518
• Ticianne Darin Federal University of Ceará https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3617-5462

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ihc_estendido.2025.16221

Abstract

This position paper responds to Grand Challenge 1 (GC1) of the Brazilian HCI community. In light of the growing proliferation of deceptive design practices in digital games, which compromise players’ autonomy and mental health, we argue that transformational reflective games represent a promising methodological path to advance GC1, particularly with regard to human well-being. We contend that, when grounded in robust theories such as Self-Determination Theory (SDT), these games transcend mere awareness-raising, creating experiences that catalyze critical reflection on the ethical consequences of design choices.

Keywords: Transformational Reflective Games, Self-Determination Theory, Well-being, Eudaimonia

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