Ethical Reflection

Desiderata

Ethical reflection (desiderata as a safeguard) uses the explicit desiderata as a yardstick for design decisions. Those who have formulated their intention can measure whether a mechanism serves that intention, or another unstated intention.

Design question – What happens when your game works too well?

Reference example – FIFA Ultimate Team: loot boxes – the intention “fun” can tip into an addiction mechanism. Spec Ops: The Line: deliberately confronts players with the consequences of their violence. Football: the debate about heading for children – good intention, possible harm.