Tags:Empathy, Gamification, Grief, Narrative, Perspective-taking and Virtual Reality (VR)
Abstract:
This paper introduces Road to Acceptance, a virtual reality (VR) experience aimed at raising awareness about the five stages of grief through a fantasy narrative. Grief is characterized by denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, and this VR experience aims to illustrate these stages. VR allows users to immerse themselves in the emotional journey of another person, fostering empathy and understanding. The game places the user in the shoes of a bereaved husband who seeks redemption by returning magical gems that caused the world's destruction. The immersive storytelling and gameplay mechanics provide a unique way of delving into the experience of grief, offering insights into the emotional paths individuals may traverse. The game was well-received by participants at the Interactive Media Showcase at New York University Abu Dhabi, with recommendations for future improvements. The project aims to make mental health tools and applications more accessible, acknowledging that grief is a complex emotion that deserves to be understood and discussed.
Road to Acceptance: a Gamified VR Narrative Journey Through the Stages of Grief