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The Number One Educational Resource for the Game Industry

Session Name: The Neuroscience of Gameplay
Speaker(s): Erin Robinson
Company Name(s): Ivy Games
Track / Format: Independent Games
Overview: The human brain is specialized for certain tasks essential to our survival. What is it about games that hacks this system? Erin Robinson, BScH in psychology (Queen's University), explains the brain structures active during gameplay, especially those involved in visual and kinesthetic perception, decision-making, and reward. Included is an explanation as to why certain game mechanics hold special appeal to us (including collection and random rewards). Also offered is practical advice on how to spot bad science, particularly when it's reported in the news.

Erin completed her honors thesis in the spring of 2008, and was working as a research assistant when she quit to pursue her love of games. She is the creator of the PAX 10 finalist PUZZLE BOTS, a game that is not coincidentally set in a lab.

GDC China 2010

Erin Robinson

Ivy Games

free content

Independent Games

Independent Games