PsyGames 2026 – Psychology via Games
PsyGames is an academic conference organised by Kempten University of Applied Sciences on computer games as a research tool in psychology.
It is the first conference in the German-speaking world to systematically examine psychological research using custom-designed computer games.
Researchers and experts were invited to submit abstracts and full papers. All submissions were reviewed anonymously in a double-blind peer-review process by an independent external programme committee. Members of Kempten University of Applied Sciences were not involved in reviewing their own submissions.
Brief overview
- Date: 26 September 2026
- Time: 15:00 to 18:00 CEST (UTC+2)
- Format: Online conference via Zoom
- Participation: Free of charge
- Publication: Two conference proceedings volumes, one in German and one in English; AI-assisted translation with final approval by the authors
- Review: anonymised, double-blind peer review by an independent external programme committee
Objectives and target audiences
Objective: The conference aims to advance psychological research through the use of computer-based games and to provide a platform for publication and networking.
Target audiences: In particular, psychologists and researchers from related disciplines. Furthermore, PsyGames is aimed at individuals with an academic interest in game studies, including students, lecturers and researchers.
Deadlines and dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 April 2026 | Title + Abstract |
| 5 May 2026 | Feedback on thematic suitability |
| 15 June 2026 | Full Paper |
| 17 July 2026 | Completion of peer review / feedback |
| 30 July 2026 | Revised version (if applicable) |
| 15 September 2026 | Publication of conference proceedings (German) |
| 17 September 2026 | Publication of conference proceedings (English) |
| 26 September 2026 | Online conference, 15:00 to 18:00 CEST (UTC+2) |
Programme
Each contribution consists of an eight-minute presentation followed by a seven-minute discussion.
Presentations may be delivered in the speakers’ native languages. An AI-assisted feature provides automatic subtitles and translations into different languages. Participants can select their preferred language individually.
All times are in Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2).
| Time | Programme item |
|---|---|
| 15:00–15:20 | Welcome and introduction to the automatic translation and subtitling feature Tobias C. Breiner |
| 15:20–15:35 | A Study Protocol for Game-Based Emotional Naming: Supporting Emotional Literacy Through Reflective Play Tania Catherine Olarte Avila, Daniel Zarate |
| 15:35–15:50 | A Game-Based Study on the Influence of English versus German on Colour Perception Jonas Dietrich, Tobias C. Breiner |
| 15:50–16:05 | An Investigation into the Effects of Subliminal Priming on Player Navigation in Videogames Jake Best, Tobias C. Breiner |
| 16:05–16:20 | An Analysis of the Overlap Between BDSM and Gaming: An Empirical Study on Ludological Flow Experiences and Escapism Tim C. Greinus, Tobias C. Breiner |
| 16:20–16:35 | Preference for Short Tone Sequences Based on the Golden Ratio David Böshans |
| 16:35–16:50 | Do Car Colours Affect Driving Behaviour? A Game-Based Investigation in a Racing Simulation Marvin Potempa, Tobias C. Breiner |
| 16:50–17:05 | When Is a Face Attractive? An Experimental Investigation of Individual Facial Features Moritz Sebastian Rösler |
| 17:05–17:20 | Study on the Effect of Shapes on Gaming Behaviour Simon Saueressig |
| 17:20–17:35 | Designing for Behavior Change: A Game-Based Approach to Study Knowledge and Decision-Making in Lighting Contexts Johannes Weninger, Maximilian Dick, Gloria Rose, Jörg Hofstätter, Eva Boehlke, Manuel Ninaus |
| 17:35–17:50 | Using Overcooked as a Context for a Brief Psychoeducational Emotion-Regulation Intervention: A Pilot Study with University Students Erick Lima, Fabricio Gonçales, Amanda Frausino, Ana Laura Flôr |
| 17:50–18:00 | Closing discussion and summary Tobias C. Breiner |