Title: TREES: A Framework for Game-Mediated Experiential Tourism and Responsible Engagement
Authors: Giammarco Tosi Ignacio Ochoa
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 116-123
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This paper presents TREES (Tourism, Responsibility, Exploration, Environment, Story)-a comprehensive design framework for integrating experiential tourism, ethical engagement, and educational objectives into survival horror video games and immersive digital experiences. Building on empirical evidence from case studies of contemporary horror titles (The Last of Us, Resident Evil Village, Silent Hill, Amnesia: The Dark Descent), we demonstrate how narrative coherence, environmental authenticity, and player agency converge to create meaningful virtual tourism experiences. The framework synthesizes theoretical perspectives from flow theory [1], parasocial interaction research [2], phenomenology of place [3], dialogue tree design principles [4], and serious game pedagogy [5]. We argue that TREES provides actionable design guidance for developers seeking to create horror experiences that simultaneously entertain, educate, and foster pro-environmental awareness and cultural sensitivity. This paper contributes to the emerging intersection of game studies, tourism research, and educational technology