Videogame Spotlight: Omori A Case study of Emotions as video game mechanics

This presentation seeks to familiarize the audience regarding the award-winning RPG, Omori and its discussion topics of depression, trauma, grief, and empathy. We will provide a broad overview regarding the game’s plot, characters, battle mechanics and their importance as a game narrative. We will discuss recurring themes and visual symbols and how they represent important discussions regarding the above mental health topics. Finally, we will examine how the unique battle mechanics using emotions can be leveraged as a psychoeducation tool.

Learning Objective:

1. To examine how Omori discusses themes of depression, trauma, grief, and empathy
2. To discuss Omori characters as case studies for personality themes and how different emotions are leveraged in interpersonal relationships
3. To examine how the use of emotions as battle mechanics can be a psychoeducation tool