Care - Games

In game design, 'Care' manifests as a core mechanic that fosters meaningful player investment. It transcends simple resource management, embedding itself in narrative choices that carry emotional weight, companion systems requiring sustained attention, and world-building where player actions have lasting consequences. This concept challenges designers to create systems where neglect has tangible repercussions, making care not an optional side activity but a fundamental driver of engagement. It transforms gameplay from a series of tasks into a cultivation of responsibility, where the player's attentive stewardship directly shapes the experience and outcome.