Call for Papers – International Journal of Film and Media Arts

Aesthetic Strategies for Purpose-Driven Play

The use of digital play has long expanded beyond entertainment. Today, elements such as feedback loops, embodied interaction, audiovisual rhythm and narrative form are key to systems designed to train, heal, educate or raise awareness. Yet, the aesthetic dimension of such experiences is often overlooked—seen as decorative rather than functional.

This special issue invites artists, designers, and researchers to explore aesthetic strategies as key design variables in serious and adaptive play. From wearables to XR, tangible games to immersive environments, we welcome contributions that reveal how aesthetic form can shape attention, emotion, cognition and behaviour.

Submission Deadline: 2nd February 2026

Submit here: https://revistas.ulusofona.pt/index.php/ijfma/about/submissions

Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Ludic aesthetics for behaviour change, therapy or training
• Engagement and knowledge retention through aesthetic form
• Real-time adaptive systems and aesthetic modulation
• Multisensory, XR, wearable or ambient design
• Ethical and cultural dimensions of persuasive aesthetics

Issue publication: October 2026

Guest Editors: Micaela Fonseca & Phil Lopes (Lusófona University)