gamesbriefs
Topic

Decision-making

How people choose, and how those choices go wrong.

4
in games
10:52
average
43 min
in total
28
across the network
Decision-making across the network →
All briefs4
12:03

Persona 3

Atlus · 2006

Persona 3 is a PlayStation 2 RPG released by Atlus in 2006. It combines traditional RPG mechanics with simulation elements. The game follows the protagonist, who balances their daily life of going to school and building relationships with others with fighting the monstrous Shadows during the Dark Hour. Each day is divided into daytime and evening segments. Except for scripted events, such as plot progression or special events, the player is free to choose how each day is spent, with most activities causing time to pass. The types of activities and characters that can be interacted with vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Additionally, some activities are limited by the protagonist's three attributes; Academics, Charm, and Courage, which can be built by performing various activities or making certain correct choices. During the evening, players can choose to visit Tartarus, the game's main dungeon, where they can build their party's experience and gain new items. On the day of the full moon, players will participate in a boss battle to progress the story.

10:15

Steins;Gate

5pb. · 2009

Steins;Gate is a visual novel built around two precise, low-friction inputs — answering calls and selecting words in texts — that drive tightly wound branching narratives about causality and consequence. It demands sustained reading and rewards attention to detail, not dexterity or speed. Its design reflects its themes: small actions ripple across time, but only if you’re paying close enough attention to notice the trigger.

10:17

The Stanley Parable

Davey Wreden · 2013

The Stanley Parable is a narrative-first game about obedience, authorship, and the fiction of player agency. It offers no combat, no progression, and no persistent world — only walking, pressing, opening, and listening. Its design is a provocation: every choice you make is anticipated, narrated, and contained.

10:53

Fallout 2

Black Isle Studios · 1998

Fallout 2 is a role-playing video game developed by Black Isle Studios in 1998. It is a direct sequel built on the same engine and design philosophy as its predecessor. It is not the origin of the Fallout series — Black Isle did not create the original Fallout, though many of its founding members came from that team.