o:9632 Gamification of restorative justice processes: a conceptual framework and practical application Gejmifikacija procesa restorativne pravde: konceptualni okvir i mogućnosti primene en Abstract: This paper examines the possibilities and limitations of applying gamification within restorative justice processes, based on the assumption that contemporary interactive models can enhance participants’ understanding of conflict, the development of empathy, and reflective engagement. Restorative justice is grounded in dialogue between the offender, the victim, and the community, with the aim of fostering accountability, understanding harm, and repairing damaged relationships. However, its practical implementation is often hindered by participants’ limited readiness for perspective-taking, emotional barriers, and the lack of adequate methodological tools for preparation and facilitation. In this context, the paper explores the potential of gamification as an approach that employs game mechanics, such as roleplaying, interactive narratives, and decision-making simulations, to stimulate experiential learning and engagement. Through theoretical analysis, the paper identifies key phases of the restorative process, understanding harm, perspective-taking, dialogue, reparation, and reflection, and considers how gamified models might support each of them. Particular attention is given to the role of simulations in fostering empathy and preparing participants for restorative encounters, as well as to the potential of reflective mechanisms to deepen the understanding of conflict consequences. At the same time, the paper highlights significant ethical and methodological limitations, including the risk of trivializing conflict, the psychological sensitivity of participants, and institutional constraints on the implementation of such approaches. In conclusion, gamification cannot be regarded as a substitute for restorative dialogue, but rather as a complementary tool that may enhance specific phases of the process. Its value lies in expanding the space for reflection, perspective, taking, and participant preparation, thereby contributing to the development of contemporary methodological approaches in restorative justice. Sažetak: Rad razmatra mogućnosti i ograničenja primene gejmifikacije u okviru procesa restorativne pravde, polazeći od pretpostavke da savremeni interaktivni modeli mogu doprineti unapređenju razumevanja konflikta, razvoja empatije i refleksije učesnika. Restorativna pravda se zasniva na dijalogu između prestupnika, žrtve i zajednice, sa ciljem preuzimanja odgovornosti, razumevanja štete i obnove narušenih odnosa. Međutim, njena praktična primena često je otežana nedovoljnom spremnošću učesnika za perspektivno razumevanje, emocionalnim barijerama i nedostatkom adekvatnih metodoloških alata za pripremu i omogućavanje procesa. U tom kontekstu, rad ispituje potencijal gejmifikacije kao pristupa koji koristi mehanike igara, poput igranja uloga, interaktivnih narativa i simulacije odluka, kako bi podstakao iskustveno učenje i angažman. Kroz teorijsku analizu, identifikuju se ključne faze restorativnog procesa, razumevanje štete, preuzimanje perspektive druge strane, dijalog, reparacija i refleksija, i razmatraju načini na koje bi gejmifikacioni modeli mogli podržati svaku od njih. Posebna pažnja posvećena je ulozi simulacija u razvoju empatije i pripremi za restorativni susret, kao i potencijalu refleksivnih mehanizama za dublje razumevanje posledica konflikta. Istovremeno, rad ukazuje na značajna etička i metodološka ograničenja, uključujući rizik trivijalizacije konflikta, psihološke osetljivosti učesnika i institucionalne prepreke primeni ovakvih pristupa. Zaključno, gejmifikacija se ne može posmatrati kao zamena za restorativni dijalog, već kao dopunski alat koji može unaprediti pojedine faze procesa. Njena vrednost leži u proširenju prostora za refleksiju, perspektivno razumevanje i pripremu učesnika, čime doprinosi razvoju savremenih metodoloških pristupa u restorativnoj pravdi. Keywords: restorative justice, gamification, perspective-taking, empathy, interactive simulations, dialogue, reflection Ključne reči: restorativna pravda, gejmifikacija, perspektivno razumevanje, empatija, interaktivne simulacije, dijalog, refleksija 1552101 1820-4589 1552099 10.51738/kpolisa.2026.1r.afmk 91552100 194151945 2026-05-26T10:42:06.254Z 44 yes 46 Aleksandar Filipović University Business Academy, Novi Sad, Serb Faculty of Law for Commerce and Judiciary in Novi Sad 0000-0002-1097-2079 Marina Kovačević CRI Institute for Performative Arts and Social Work, Belgrade, Serbia person 0009-0009-8491-5833 application/pdf 352782 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:9632 no yes 16 70 1552253 211A01 Kultura polisa 23 1 178 204 2026