Storytelling Games for General Anxiety: Clinician Perspectives on Walking Simulator Games as Inte...
summary
Qualitative study interviews 10 UK clinicians about using walking simulator mechanics as interventions for generalized anxiety disorder, reporting that atmospheric exploration plus scripted activities (camping, swimming, fishing) can support attentional-focus and graded exposure but also risk triggering users from certain backgrounds or through night/urban scenes. Clinicians suggest adding living entities or virtual pets, simplifying in-game text, and embedding mindfulness exercises; authors note feasibility via mods (Half-Life 2 engines) but emphasize need for customization and user testing.
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