The word haptic describes technologies, aesthetics, and interactive strategies that engage the sense of touch, from a Greek word meaning to grasp, perceive, or fasten. Touch has been called the “deepest sense,” engaging all the systems of the body as well as the skin, the body’s largest organ. Haptic technologies use vibration force feedback, electrotactility, conductive materials, and immersive displays to touch users’ bodies directly, and haptic aesthetics like the feminist strategy of “haptic visuality” and the Hollywood “body genres” promote consensual and negotiated intimacy and intersubjectivity between characters, creators, and audience, or provoke thrills and chills for spectators, whether they like it or not. Video games, with their interactivity and haptic technology enabled displays and controllers, are just one example of how haptic technologies and aesthetics are integrated with contemporary media production. 

The Haptic Arcade was a showcase of original work by students at Occidental College on December 5, 2025, created to be haptic: technologically, aesthetically, or in hybrid game experiences of digital and tabletop play. The showcase was part of the Fall 2025 Haptic Media class by Professor Teddy Pozo, COMP/MAC 271, and was created by the students in the class with help from TA Marvin Romero, and guests Selwa Sweidan, Vanessa Hernández Cruz, Blue Reinhard, Madison Schmalzer, and Zoey Solomon.

Works Displayed

1. Babo : Matthew Arboleda, Naomi Bahn-Logan, Tiffany Mo, Gisela Roberts, Hybrid Game
2. Virtual Pet : Mia Fasick, Kiera Ashcraft, Joy Botros, and Evelin Benitez, Hybrid Game
3. The Illustrious Kitty Gabor : Mica Rosales and Lou Alpert, Makey-Makey Game, Physical Medium
4. The Intimacy Machine : Mel Dodson and Addie Fabel, Interactive Experience (Makey-Makey)
5. Stereo Gaze : Liv Gilbert-Adler, Digital Game with Optional Custom Controller
6. Frankie : Sophie Goldberg and Sheea Sau, Interactive Installation, Cardboard and Makey Makey
7. Neon: Motion Symphony : Denise Artiga, Interactive installation
8. The Art of Giving : Miranda Samayoa-Cobon & Jenny Lee, Hybrid Experience
9. Elementary School Simulator : Hayden Brown
10. House : Aiden Khazeni, Godot Game

This PDF zine is a documentation of the 2025 Haptic Arcade at Occidental College. Links to individual projects are included in the book where available, along with documentation of how they appeared in the showcase in December 2025.