What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop a framework for analyzing and preventing player burnout in game design.

June 17, 2026Open Access

GAM3ARCH: A Cognitive Architecture for Ethical Game Design and Player Burnout Analysis

Key Points

The aim is to develop a framework for analyzing and preventing player burnout in game design.
Introduced the GAM3ARCH framework modeling cognitive load and motivation dynamics across four zones.
Conducted agent-based simulations with 500 agents using Markov transition dynamics to assess burnout incidence.
Formalized five metrics and analyzed bridge connectivity effects on application outcomes.
Burnout incidence reduced from approximately 0.42 to 0.08 when WeakBridges were reinforced.
Strengthening connectivity above 0.3 reduced burnout incidence by 34%.
Resonance Index increased by 28% as a result of enhanced bridge connections.

Abstract

GAM3ARCH is a cognitive architecture for analyzing and preventing player burnout in game design. The framework models the dynamics between cognitive load, intrinsic motivation, and the horizon of meaning across four zones — Forge (growth), Nexus (social connection), Back (recovery), and Horizon (reflection). It introduces WeakBridges as a structural mechanism that drives cognitive burnout when inter-zone connectivity drops below critical thresholds (burnout incidence ≈0.42 under weak bridge conditions vs. ≈0.08 when bridges are reinforced). Agent-based simulation (500 agents, Markov transition dynamics) demonstrates that strengthening bridge connectivity above 0.3 reduces burnout incidence by 34% and increases the Resonance Index — a composite metric of engagement, autonomy, and meaning — by 28%. The framework formalizes five derivative metrics (FOMO Load, Transparency Index, Healthy Return Coefficient, Voluntary Participation Level, Resilience Index) and provides the theoretical foundation for applied methodologies such as SpinForge (Skrobov, 2025). Theoretical grounding includes Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), Flow Theory (Csikszentmihalyi), Uses and Gratifications (Katz), and the Job Demands-Resources Model (Bakker & Demerouti). Keywords: cognitive architecture, player burnout, ethical game design, resonance, WeakBridges, agent-based simulation, motivation dynamics, GAM3ARCH

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