Rowan Daneels
@rowandaneels.bsky.social
PhD in Communication Studies
Affiliated researcher @UAntwerp
Studying eudaimonia, games and more
DiGRA Belgium board member
Affiliated researcher @UAntwerp
Studying eudaimonia, games and more
DiGRA Belgium board member
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
It's amazing to see that "The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Marvel Cinematic Universe" (co-edited with real-life superhero @rowandaneels.bsky.social) is finally out - available in OPEN ACCESS thanks to Play Story Press and Psychgeist editor @drkowert.bsky.social! ⚡
Massive thanks to everyone involved!
Massive thanks to everyone involved!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, co-edited with the marvelous @alexvandewalle.bsky.social, is ALIVE!
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
November 13, 2025 at 10:42 AM
It's amazing to see that "The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Marvel Cinematic Universe" (co-edited with real-life superhero @rowandaneels.bsky.social) is finally out - available in OPEN ACCESS thanks to Play Story Press and Psychgeist editor @drkowert.bsky.social! ⚡
Massive thanks to everyone involved!
Massive thanks to everyone involved!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, co-edited with the marvelous @alexvandewalle.bsky.social, is ALIVE!
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
November 13, 2025 at 9:58 AM
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, co-edited with the marvelous @alexvandewalle.bsky.social, is ALIVE!
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
This scholarly-based book addresses the underlying psychological themes of the MCU’s superhero storytelling.
Book is OPEN ACCESS: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Interested in the social impact of video games? Want to understand how games can make our world better? Attend this webinar at @uniofbathsom.bsky.social on 13/11! Special guests include experts @drkowert.bsky.social & @kathrynbfrancis.bsky.social! Pls share www.bath.ac.uk/events/explo... #videogames
Exploring the Social Impact of Games – ‘The Psychgeist of Popular Culture: The Legend of Zelda’
Join us for this book launch webinar looking at the positive impact of video games.
www.bath.ac.uk
October 31, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Interested in the social impact of video games? Want to understand how games can make our world better? Attend this webinar at @uniofbathsom.bsky.social on 13/11! Special guests include experts @drkowert.bsky.social & @kathrynbfrancis.bsky.social! Pls share www.bath.ac.uk/events/explo... #videogames
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Looking forward to the next DiGRA Belgium Symposium: Namur on December 19! Thanks to @ypsenn.bsky.social and Pierre-Yves Houlmont for organizing!
[📅Save the date!]
🎮The next meeting of the Belgian chapter of the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) is co-organized by HEAJ and UNamur and will take place in Namur on December 19!
🎮The next meeting of the Belgian chapter of the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) is co-organized by HEAJ and UNamur and will take place in Namur on December 19!
October 31, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Looking forward to the next DiGRA Belgium Symposium: Namur on December 19! Thanks to @ypsenn.bsky.social and Pierre-Yves Houlmont for organizing!
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
A reminder of our open call for postdoctoral researchers focusing on cultural game studies, closing on Friday this week, 31 October at 23.59.00 EET / UTC+2 (Finland time): tuni.rekrytointi.com/paikat/index...
3 Postdoctoral Researchers (cultural game studies) / 3 tutkijatohtoria (kulttuurinen pelitutkimus)
tuni.rekrytointi.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:25 AM
A reminder of our open call for postdoctoral researchers focusing on cultural game studies, closing on Friday this week, 31 October at 23.59.00 EET / UTC+2 (Finland time): tuni.rekrytointi.com/paikat/index...
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
The Psychgeist of Pop Culture | The Legend of Zelda
YouTube video by Psychgeist
youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Super happy to see this chapter published!
Anisha and I discuss how 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 are represented in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Link to the book (FREE): playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
@annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social
Anisha and I discuss how 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 are represented in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Link to the book (FREE): playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
@annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Super happy to see this chapter published!
Anisha and I discuss how 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 are represented in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Link to the book (FREE): playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
@annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social
Anisha and I discuss how 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 are represented in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Link to the book (FREE): playstorypress.org/books/the-ps...
@annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
The latest #Psychgeist entry has arrived!
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 🗡️
I’m SO excited to read it this weekend ♥️
Thank you @annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social 🙏
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 🗡️
I’m SO excited to read it this weekend ♥️
Thank you @annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social 🙏
October 24, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The latest #Psychgeist entry has arrived!
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 🗡️
I’m SO excited to read it this weekend ♥️
Thank you @annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social 🙏
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 🗡️
I’m SO excited to read it this weekend ♥️
Thank you @annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social 🙏
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
NEW PUBLICATION ALERT ✨ The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Last of Us is here!
As always, free to download but who wouldn't want that beautiful cover on their shelf?! #TLOU
www.youtube.com/shorts/pdS0R...
As always, free to download but who wouldn't want that beautiful cover on their shelf?! #TLOU
www.youtube.com/shorts/pdS0R...
The Psychgeist of Pop Culture | The Last of Us
YouTube video by Psychgeist
www.youtube.com
September 16, 2025 at 3:47 PM
NEW PUBLICATION ALERT ✨ The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Last of Us is here!
As always, free to download but who wouldn't want that beautiful cover on their shelf?! #TLOU
www.youtube.com/shorts/pdS0R...
As always, free to download but who wouldn't want that beautiful cover on their shelf?! #TLOU
www.youtube.com/shorts/pdS0R...
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
I love this analytical take on video game categorization from Antoine Mayerowitz and Julie Belzanne:
hushcrasher.substack.com/p/taxonomy-o...
Instead of trying to vibe-intuit the definition of an "indie" game, the authors analyzed the data from the perspective of game size and credits length
hushcrasher.substack.com/p/taxonomy-o...
Instead of trying to vibe-intuit the definition of an "indie" game, the authors analyzed the data from the perspective of game size and credits length
September 14, 2025 at 10:50 AM
I love this analytical take on video game categorization from Antoine Mayerowitz and Julie Belzanne:
hushcrasher.substack.com/p/taxonomy-o...
Instead of trying to vibe-intuit the definition of an "indie" game, the authors analyzed the data from the perspective of game size and credits length
hushcrasher.substack.com/p/taxonomy-o...
Instead of trying to vibe-intuit the definition of an "indie" game, the authors analyzed the data from the perspective of game size and credits length
#GameUXsummit '25 was a blast! SO MANY GREAT TALKS (see gamaste.net/game-ux-summ...)
I presented my research on how players' personal, social, and game-related factors impact 𝐄𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.
A huge thanks to the organizers! @gameuxsummit.com @celiahodent.com AP Hogeschool & Gamaste
I presented my research on how players' personal, social, and game-related factors impact 𝐄𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.
A huge thanks to the organizers! @gameuxsummit.com @celiahodent.com AP Hogeschool & Gamaste
September 10, 2025 at 7:05 AM
#GameUXsummit '25 was a blast! SO MANY GREAT TALKS (see gamaste.net/game-ux-summ...)
I presented my research on how players' personal, social, and game-related factors impact 𝐄𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.
A huge thanks to the organizers! @gameuxsummit.com @celiahodent.com AP Hogeschool & Gamaste
I presented my research on how players' personal, social, and game-related factors impact 𝐄𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.
A huge thanks to the organizers! @gameuxsummit.com @celiahodent.com AP Hogeschool & Gamaste
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
It’s a wrap for the #GameUXsummit ‘25! Thank you so much everyone and see y’all next year ☺️
September 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
It’s a wrap for the #GameUXsummit ‘25! Thank you so much everyone and see y’all next year ☺️
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
This is already our last session at the #GameUXsummit… Our keynote speaker today is David Sears, creative director (most recently on South of Midnight) and writer. He takes us on a journey: “Life takes you to unexpected places, love brings you home”.
September 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This is already our last session at the #GameUXsummit… Our keynote speaker today is David Sears, creative director (most recently on South of Midnight) and writer. He takes us on a journey: “Life takes you to unexpected places, love brings you home”.
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
We now welcome on stage Jennifer Lufau, Authenticity consultant and Founder of @afrogameuses.bsky.social. She talks about “Demystifying Sensitivity Reading to create better games”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
September 9, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We now welcome on stage Jennifer Lufau, Authenticity consultant and Founder of @afrogameuses.bsky.social. She talks about “Demystifying Sensitivity Reading to create better games”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Now at the #GameUXsummit we listen to insights from Artem Ivanov & Dmitrii Sokolov (user researchers at Wargaming on the World of Warship franchise). They talk about “Making sense of player satisfaction: Why it matters and how to measure it”.
September 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Now at the #GameUXsummit we listen to insights from Artem Ivanov & Dmitrii Sokolov (user researchers at Wargaming on the World of Warship franchise). They talk about “Making sense of player satisfaction: Why it matters and how to measure it”.
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
First session of the afternoon at the #GameUXsummit: Colleen Macklin and Ben Van Buren, coming all the way from New York City (Parsons School of Design)! They talk about “Perception in Virtual Worlds: Psychology and design students collaborate to study user experience in videogames”.
September 9, 2025 at 11:56 AM
First session of the afternoon at the #GameUXsummit: Colleen Macklin and Ben Van Buren, coming all the way from New York City (Parsons School of Design)! They talk about “Perception in Virtual Worlds: Psychology and design students collaborate to study user experience in videogames”.
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
It’s Pecha Kucha time at the #GameUXsummit! Our first PK speaker, Maria Amirkhanyan (Head of Gaming Division at Duamentes) wasn’t sadly able to join us because of extremely frustrating visa issues. But she recorded her talk “Make me stay, don’t make me play” so that we can still hear her insights.
September 9, 2025 at 12:33 PM
It’s Pecha Kucha time at the #GameUXsummit! Our first PK speaker, Maria Amirkhanyan (Head of Gaming Division at Duamentes) wasn’t sadly able to join us because of extremely frustrating visa issues. But she recorded her talk “Make me stay, don’t make me play” so that we can still hear her insights.
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Holger Wurst (Lead UX designer at Wooga) talks about “Changing the FTUE* after 7 years live: Lessons from June’s Journey”
*First-Time User Experience
*First-Time User Experience
September 9, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Holger Wurst (Lead UX designer at Wooga) talks about “Changing the FTUE* after 7 years live: Lessons from June’s Journey”
*First-Time User Experience
*First-Time User Experience
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Our next speaker is Kamila Isaeva, senior UX researcher at Wargaming (in collaboration with Rich Davis, research supervisor). Her talk is about biometrics: “EEG or not EEG? Reflections on Using Biometrics in Game UX Research”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
September 9, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Our next speaker is Kamila Isaeva, senior UX researcher at Wargaming (in collaboration with Rich Davis, research supervisor). Her talk is about biometrics: “EEG or not EEG? Reflections on Using Biometrics in Game UX Research”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Mike Ambinder (founder & chief research officer at Cognitive Experiences) talking about “A Science of Game Design”.
Time for some SCIENZZZZ!!! 😊
Time for some SCIENZZZZ!!! 😊
September 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Mike Ambinder (founder & chief research officer at Cognitive Experiences) talking about “A Science of Game Design”.
Time for some SCIENZZZZ!!! 😊
Time for some SCIENZZZZ!!! 😊
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Welcome to Day 2 of the #GameUXsummit! Daekon Kim and Mihyun Ko (Product designers at Ubisoft) are kicking off the day. Their talk is about “Surviving the Game Production Wild: Essential tips for internal tool design”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
September 9, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Welcome to Day 2 of the #GameUXsummit! Daekon Kim and Mihyun Ko (Product designers at Ubisoft) are kicking off the day. Their talk is about “Surviving the Game Production Wild: Essential tips for internal tool design”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
And.. that’s a wrap for Day 1 of the #GameUXsummit! Thanks again to all speakers, organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees! ❤️
See you tomorrow ☺️
See you tomorrow ☺️
September 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM
And.. that’s a wrap for Day 1 of the #GameUXsummit! Thanks again to all speakers, organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees! ❤️
See you tomorrow ☺️
See you tomorrow ☺️
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
For those who cannot be with us, you can follow this great thread by Robin-Yann Storm! ☺️
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Here is @celiahodent.com opening the #GameUXSummit 2025!
I am looking forward to talking with many game UX folks over the next 2 days.
I am looking forward to talking with many game UX folks over the next 2 days.
September 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
For those who cannot be with us, you can follow this great thread by Robin-Yann Storm! ☺️
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Our next speaker is Olivier Nourry, Chief #a11y Officer (Games Accessibility Hub), in collaboration with Alice Grégoire (Producer at Abiding Bridge): “Wordatro: From awesome to awesome AND accessible”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
September 8, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Our next speaker is Olivier Nourry, Chief #a11y Officer (Games Accessibility Hub), in collaboration with Alice Grégoire (Producer at Abiding Bridge): “Wordatro: From awesome to awesome AND accessible”.
#GameUXsummit
#GameUXsummit
Reposted by Rowan Daneels
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Alex Tokmakchiev (senior UI/UX designer at Raw Power Games), talking about “Applying object-oriented ux design to break up complex game systems”.
September 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Next up at the #GameUXsummit: Alex Tokmakchiev (senior UI/UX designer at Raw Power Games), talking about “Applying object-oriented ux design to break up complex game systems”.