Discovering what we take with us from ideation to reportage in the research-through-design of a transformative personal game

This research investigates the creation of What We Take With Us (WWTWU), a semiautobiographical pervasive game designed to enhance wellbeing that applied research-through-design across the game lifecycle. WWTWU utilises both physical and digital spaces and interactions to engage players in a series of reflective activities. The research provides developer-focused insights into the holistic process of personal and serious game creation, from ideation to reportage, to highlight the benefits and drawbacks of game creation as reflective practice. The research highlights challenges such as terminological confusion in serious games, the impacts of solo development, and difficulties with player engagement in such games. The findings advocate for robust support systems for developers and emphasises the importance of utilising player-centric design principles in such games to increase community engagement and cultural relevance. The research therefore contributes to academic and practical understanding of the complexities involved in personal game creation while showcasing how they can be transformative for players and developers alike.