As a digital media student and independent game developer, I’ve spent years exploring how games shape our emotions and choices. This piece dives into five overlooked game prototypes that pushed boundaries—blending AI, psychology, and ethics. They weren’t hits, but they asked hard questions: Who controls our attention? When does play become manipulation? Through personal reflection and research from *The Ethics of Play* and *Digital Alienation*, I uncover how these 'failures' revealed deeper truths about technology’s role in human experience. If you've ever felt drained after a game session, this is for you.

As a digital media artist and independent game developer, I’ve analyzed the allure of 'Superstar' — a flashy casino-style game that mimics celebrity culture. Beneath its neon glamour lies a system engineered to hook players through psychological triggers. In this piece, I unpack the design logic behind high-RTP claims, free spins, and loyalty rewards — not just as entertainment, but as subtle behavioral architecture. What happens when games start mimicking fame? And who truly wins in the spotlight?

As a digital storyteller and game ethics researcher, I’ve analyzed the allure of celebrity-themed casino games like 'Starlight Key' and 'Stardom Quest.' Beneath the neon glow lies a psychological architecture designed to mimic fame while masking algorithmic control. This deep dive explores how narrative seduction, reward timing, and social validation are weaponized to create addictive illusions of success—raising urgent questions about player autonomy in entertainment systems. Are we chasing stardom… or just surrendering to design?

As a digital media artist and game ethics researcher, I’ve analyzed 'Super Star' by 1BET—not just as a casino game, but as a psychological performance. Beneath the neon lights and celebrity themes lies a meticulously engineered experience that exploits reward loops and emotional investment. This piece unpacks the hidden design layers, from RTP manipulation to behavioral nudges, while questioning whether entertainment should feel like addiction. Join me in reflecting on what we truly pay for when we chase 'stardom' in code.