The user experience of pregnancy : Translating the embedded journey of pregnancy into systemic game mechanics

Sammanfattning

Traditional commercial video games frequently rely on text-heavy expositions for complex narratives, often failing to realistically portray deeply embodied experiences. This study addresses this limitation by exploring how game mechanics can foster somatic empathy without relying on traditional narrative techniques. Using a 10-day longitudinal diary study and semi-structured interviews, representative milestones of pregnancy were mapped and translated into gameplay mechanics by using an elevated RMDA framework. These mechanics were designed for Painwives, creating a theoretical UI-less framework that restricts player agency to mirror the protagonist’s physical and psychological reality. The findings validate that conveying narrative through game systems prevents ludonarrative dissonance and ensures engagement with the psychological arc. Ultimately, this research provides a UX-driven blueprint to the industry, demonstrating the expressive power of mechanic-driven narratives in exploring highly sensitive human experiences.