Högskolan i Skövde

Previous research into personal game making has found that few creators have any desire to join the game industry or monetize their works. Instead, they view their making as a form of playful self-expression where they can explore the boundaries of games. However, the status quo of game pedagogy is to provide workers to the male-dominated and technologically focused games industry. This paper proposes a new, alternative game design model that is more aligned with and supportive of personal game making. Using participatory and co-operative inquiry methods, the DREaM model (Dream, Roleplay, Experience, and Make) was developed in collaboration with individuals interested in or experienced with personal game making. The findings of the study indicate that the DREaM model provided several benefits when used as a tool to generate personal game concepts. Further research is needed to evaluate the model's impact on game development that goes beyond the conceptual stage.