"It's Just Part of Being a Person": Sincerity, Support & Self Expression in Vignette Games

This study investigates the motivations, creative processes, and community engagement of personal vignette game creators. Its central thesis posits that these creators leverage accessible tools and DIY game culture to facilitate deep self-expression, challenge conventional game definitions, and foster supportive communities through shared personal narratives. The research is based on thematic analysis of 16 interviews with creators, exploring their experiences and perspectives.

Key findings indicate that vignette game creation is characterized by facilitation, experimentation, disruption, and expression. Creators prioritize developing games on their own terms, often utilizing positive restrictions inherent in tools like Twine and Bitsy, or within game jam contexts, to drive playful creativity and self-expression. This approach enables them to share personal "emotional landscapes" and engage in a form of communication that transcends verbal expression, valuing personal and cultural significance over commercial outcomes.

The study identifies five core themes: facilitated game creation through accessible tools and community support; playing with form through experimental design; managed terms of engagement, allowing creators to curate audiences and set expectations; challenging traditional perceptions of what constitutes a "game"; and a profound desire for "seeing and being seen," seeking earnest engagement and validation from their audience. This practice empowers under-represented creators to share unique narratives and cultivate environments of mutual support and understanding, expanding the definition and purpose of interactive media.