Analyzing Behavioral Patterns in the Serious Game “Twelve Minutes”: Insights from Iranian YouTubers

Serious games play a pivotal role in the expansive landscape of the digital gaming industry, serving practical purposes such as education and marketing. This article delves into an analysis of the serious game Twelve Minutes, initially pinpointing behavioral patterns derived from the game's conclusion and narrative. To enhance the accuracy of these patterns, they undergo refinement and validation through the insights of experts in behavioral sciences. Employing a dynamic systems approach, the article employs Causal Loop Diagrams to delineate eleven behavioral loops. The study then shifts focus to the gameplay of various Iranian YouTubers engaging with this specific game, meticulously scrutinizing their behavioral choices. The research findings shed light on a prevalent tendency among Iranian YouTubers to exhibit aggressive behaviors, aligning with Gallup reports that place Iranians among the top ten countries grappling with common anger issues. In the concluding remarks, the article proposes the potential of serious games to shape positive behavior and deter negative tendencies, thereby facilitating a more profound level of learning through behavioral engineering. The study underscores the capacity of serious games to address societal issues and exert a positive influence on behavior. The integration of gaming as a tool for behavioral engineering is posited as a means to deepen our comprehension of human behavior and offer practical avenues for promoting positive societal change.