How to Hypnotize Players: Design Slower and Better

Modern game design is often about instant gratification. Quick and short loops, easy and plentiful rewards, every psychological trick in the book to get people hooked in the first minutes. But is it sustainable to make most video games this way?

The presenter will use his experience, including the upcoming authentic hunting game Way of the Hunter 2, to define and explain 5 main principles of "slow game design" and putting players into a trance-like state:
1) applying selective resist,
2) avoiding choice overload,
3) prioritizing process over goals,
4) making failure positive,
5) trusting the player.

Each principle will be studied through "lenses" (general design, UX/UI, animation, audio, narrative, business) and illustrated by examples from successful games as well as a couple of case studies from the presenter's experience. Visitors will walk away with an understanding of of how to apply these principles and "lenses" to their future and existing productions.