Coming from journalism and content creation, I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with games – not just as players, but as communities, storytellers, and problem-solvers.
This year at devcom and gamescom, I’m exploring two big questions that keep showing up in my work:
How can we support players during the moment they get stuck – without breaking immersion?
How can we deal with toxic player behavior without sacrificing creativity, humor, or community freedom?
Both are still works in progress, and I’m here to exchange ideas, find sparring partners, and explore solutions together.
Read on for a quick overview – and if either resonates with you, let’s connect.
How can we support players during the moment they get stuck – without breaking immersion?
Why do so many players leave the game to look for help – and what if they didn’t have to?
We’ve all seen it: a player hits a wall. They pause. They open Google. They scroll through Steam Guides, Reddit threads, or that one 12-minute YouTube video where the actual tip comes at 8:17.
The result?
- Immersion is gone.
- Frustration builds.
- Some players don’t return.
The idea: What if help stayed with the player – without forcing them out of the game?
I’m developing an early-stage concept called Survival Guide To Go: a mobile companion app that delivers quick, context-sensitive tips while keeping players in flow.
The vision:
Keep players engaged instead of searching externally
Make help part of the experience, not a detour
Provide support without spoilers
Right now, I’m looking to talk to:
Developers of complex or open-ended games (survival, sandbox, strategy)
UX designers working on reducing player friction
Publishers exploring new retention strategies
How can we deal with toxic player behavior without sacrificing creativity, humor, or community freedom?
What kind of gaming culture are we building?
Competitive games thrive on adrenaline, skill, and ambition – but they can also create environments of gatekeeping, exclusion, and harassment. As someone deeply involved in online gaming communities, I want to explore: How do we design spaces that are both competitive and respectful?
Safe spaces are not about avoiding challenge. They ensure all players – regardless of skill, background, or identity – can join, engage, and grow. This isn’t just social responsibility; it’s a long-term investment in retention, community health, and game success.
Beyond moderation: Muting toxic voices is not enough. We need mechanics, transparent rule enforcement, and community-driven tools that make positive play the default.
What I’m currently experimenting with:
Analyzing role behavior and group dynamics in Discord and multiplayer games
Designing creative micro-communities (e.g., in-game events like The Church of the Skull God in Rust)
Using narrative-based resistance to counter trolling
Creating educational content for server admins and community managers
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