KATEGORYA: A GAME OF WITS AND HUMOR FOR MILLENIALS

Filipino Online Gaming and the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020: Turning to Online Multiplayer Games for Entertainment, Stress-Relief, and Socialization During The Year That Was

Kat Buenafe

Kategorya was borne from a study that explored the effects of online multiplayer gaming on Filipino young adults (aged 18-30 years old) amid the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 lockdowns. The study aimed to find out which factors and attributes of game design influenced their continuous patronage of certain games like Among Us and The Jackbox Party Pack, and how the act of gaming helped alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness during these trying times. The results of the study were used to create a new online multiplayer game that aims to become another source of fun and entertainment for Filipino young adults and an additional avenue to have virtual social interactions and feel a sense of belongingness with others.

Kategorya is a game that tests humor and wit, where players are presented with different categories and word prompts that they must connect to form the funniest and most entertaining questions. The words are open to interpretation and encourage creativity, colorful minds, sarcasm, and referential humor. The game challenges the way players think and form connections and aims to bring out laughter and give a good gaming experience for everyone involved.

Kategorya is created by Katrinna E. Buenafe, a strong-willed creative Maker and a self-proclaimed problem-solver. The designer enjoys exploring different problems and coming up with creative solutions to address them. Her goal is to live in a world where individuals are inspired to examine problems, no matter how mundane they may be, and are encouraged to design solutions accordingly.

She can be contacted through email at katrinna.buenafe@gmail.com.