Qingyu CHEN

Game Design

Supervisor: Dr. Hannah Hye Jin KUM

Safe Thrill is a standalone VR serious game exploring the ethical boundaries of "benevolent deception" in HCI design. It repurposes the addictive variableratio reinforcement mechanics of slot machines into a positive ffnancial tool. By integrating a Prize-Linked Savings (PLS) model within a retro-cyberpunk casino, players experience the authentic psychological thrill of speculative gambling. Crucially, a 100% principal refund guarantee eliminates all real-world ffnancial risk, transforming the destructive urge to gamble into a sustainable saving habit.