Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

k:ONturen –Absolvent*innenforum

Vol. 10 No. 10 (2026): k:ON Ausgabe 10

Experiences of loss and ethical decisions – Aesthetic-reflexive potential of narrative video games for education

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18716/ojs/kON/2026.14
Submitted
October 8, 2025
Published
October 27, 2026

Abstract

Narrative video games create aesthetic spaces where players experience moral dilemmas. Using This War of Mine (2014), we show how game mechanics, visual design, and decision structures can promote self-reflection, tolerance of ambiguity, and responsible action. The focus is a scene where civilians weigh protecting their group against helping an elderly couple. The article advocates for educational spaces where children can reflect on such media experiences.