The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Final Fantasy XV, edited by T. Wade Langer, Jr.
Final Fantasy XV (2016) tells the story of Noctis, the crown prince of Lucis, and his ascension to the throne. A traditional coming-of-age story following the solitary hero’s journey, this fresh take on the Final Fantasy franchise offered players a reflective opportunity to ask themselves a simple question: how does someone grow from youthful naïveté to greatness?
To mark the 10th anniversary of Final Fantasy XV, I am editing a scholarly essay collection titled The Psychgeist of Final Fantasy XV. This volume explores the psychological, philosophical, and cultural ideas embedded in the game’s story and world.
This volume is part of The Psychgeist of Pop Culture series edited by Dr Rachel Kowert and published by Play Story Press. This book series highlights iconic pop culture content from television, film, literature, and video games through an examination of the psychological themes that endear us to these stories for a lifetime. We are seeking scholarly contributions presented in a lay-friendly style. We welcome contributions from writers, designers, scholars, and players alike. We especially encourage submissions from underrepresented voices in games, storytelling, and psychology.
Each chapter will focus on a psychological theme organized around four realms of the what the game regularly calls an “Ascension Story,” (or a kingly “coming of age” story), and flesh out a framework describing how individuals (and leaders) are formed through experiences:
- Trials – Challenges that reveal character and shape identity.
- Relationships – The relational figures who shape our journey (prophet, protector, advisor, best friend).
- The Moment of Responsibility – The realization that one’s choices affect others.
- Delivering Order to Chaos – The final task of leadership, restoring balance through justice, compassion, sacrifice, and wisdom.
Each chapter will focus on a psychological theme connected to Final Fantasy XV. The four categories above are only the broad starting points, and contributors are encouraged to propose original ideas or creative approaches.
If you are interested in contributing to this edited volume, please submit your proposal to wade@profnoctis.com. The submission window will close on April 30, 2026. Please include your name, email address, working chapter title, abstract (max. 300 words), and a copy of your CV/resume. If your proposal is accepted, there will be opportunities to revise the title and abstract, but the overall theme will need to remain the same.