Abstract
As cultural spaces increasingly seek to become more welcoming and accessible, game design principles offer powerful tools for creating genuine accessibility and hospitality. Drawing from experience designing award-winning experiences across museums, theme parks, escape rooms, and digital platforms, this presentation examines how core game mechanics like clear goals, feedback loops, and structured progression can transform intimidating spaces into inviting ones. Through case studies ranging from intimate escape rooms to global-scale, large-budget events, we’ll explore how different mediums affect feelings of belonging and agency. The session will demonstrate how thoughtful application of game design can break down social barriers, create temporary communities, and make complex spaces more approachable without sacrificing depth or authenticity. Particular attention will be paid to how these principles can be applied across physical, digital, and hybrid experiences to create more inclusive cultural institutions. The presentation will conclude with a practical framework for implementing game mechanics to enhance hospitality in any space or medium.
Presenters
Tommy HontonProfessor, Entertainment Design, ArtCenter College of Design, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2025 Special Focus—The Art of Hospitality
KEYWORDS
GAME DESIGN, CULTURAL SPACES, HOSPITALITY, INTERACTION DESIGN, ACCESSIBILITY
