Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research has significantly advanced our understanding of Deceptive or Dark Patterns (DPs) in digital games through identification, ethical analysis, and awareness initiatives. However, a critical gap persists in developing robust, empirically validated methods to counteract these manipulative designs effectively. Prevailing business models and financial incentives often lead to the perception that proposing countermeasures is unrealistic despite widespread concerns about fairness and exploitation. This position paper directly challenges this assumption, arguing that moving beyond foundational understanding towards applied, interventionist research is crucial to bridge the ‘implementation gap’ between ethical insight and design practice. We call for expanding HCI games research and outline an agenda that prioritizes developing player-centric interventions informed by rigorous evidence and creating actionable design strategies for practitioners. Such initiatives are essential not only for mitigating DPs harms but also for demonstrating the feasibility of designing for genuine player well-being alongside sustainable developer goals, thereby paving a path toward ethical game design.