How can game developers design mechanics for players with anxiety disorders?

I think the first step would be to talk to enough people with this challenge to understand the games they like. They might surprise you. I've been dealing with anxiety my entire life, as many do. When I say you might be surprised, I manage some of my anxiety by playing the most intense games I can find. I want to apex a curve, I want to take down an AT-AT. The Lich King 25H falls today! Why all that stress, because I can do something about it. I've tuned the Mustang to ride like mine in real life. So I can drive in Forza in ways I can't in real life. The AT-AT is a symbol of oppression that I can take down and cheer with my Ewok allies. Arthus still stands in my story, win some loose some.

As an autistic person, the unfortunate truth is that my triggers change, and I don’t always know what’s going to trigger me! The best help I can give is by describing what I appreciate. I really enjoy when a game is clear, detailed, and easy to understand so that I can experiment and grow within that structure. If you’re adding something that adds stress or difficulty or could induce confusion, ask yourself if it’s just for the sake of doing it, if it could be accomplished in a different way. I prefer all information before going into a decision or gameplay experience and I’m often confused at things I “should” intuit or understand. Remember- games shouldn’t rely on gimmicks.

Speak with the experts, medical professionals are often an underutilized resource in our society. If we can improve mental health with their help, then it could possibly lead to improved health all around. We need to start a positive feedback loop, then feed it.

ESO is a wonderful example of personal space. Wish you guys could see my house in High Isle. I spend a lot of time just enjoying it. I would like to see more mechanics requiring personal time in games.

I’m autistic and so change and fast paced games can easily feel overwhelming or incredibly frustrating for me. I also have disabilities, so sometimes my physical skill limits what’s possible for me with a controller. Games like Mortal Kombat or Call of Duty for instance are my nightmare because they rely on fast decision making AND response time. A way to include players in this is with a safe zone, a turn based mode, or a true “pause” or “recon” ability to help them successfully plan out how they will be able to accomplish a specific plan or path forward for the story. If that isn’t possible, having a rewind or save ability, an extensive training area or tutorial can also help the player practice while dealing with a limitation.

Empowering players is so important. A good character creator is the first step here in my opinion. If you have one in your game, increase agency through representation.

Including diverse perspectives in the very beginning can help make sure you develop your game with those perspectives and people in mind.