Why:
Emotional awareness is important for well-being, yet it is often overlooked after childhood. For young adults with ADHD and autism, developing this skill can be challenging, highlighting the need for accessible support. Games can offer an interactive and fun way to support emotional development.

What:
This project explores emotional awareness through a narrative game. Players move through rooms from the character’s past. Interaction, observation, and choices encourage reflection and personal discovery in a safe, judgment-free space.

How:
Gameplay mechanics are designed to foster present-moment attention. Based on mindfulness principles such as repetition, gentle pacing, and pauses, Emotions in play is sensory-friendly, allowing players to explore at their own pace, notice their emotions, and better understand what supports them.

For whom:
The game is designed for young adults with ADHD and autism, offering a supportive space for exploration and self-discovery. Neurotypical players can also join to experience new ways of connecting and reflecting through play.

Impact:
Emotions in Play expands the role of games beyond entertainment by integrating emotional awareness into core mechanics. It contributes to more inclusive design practices and highlights the potential of games as tools for learning, reflection, and personal development.