A comprehensive analysis of presence, seamlessness, and player responses in metaverse gaming

Abstract

This study delves into the complex world of gaming metaverses to explore the psychological factors shaping user experience and engagement. Amidst increasing interest in virtual gaming worlds, it examines the roles of presence, seamlessness, and psychological responses in influencing user satisfaction and continuance intention. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes responses from 273 gaming metaverse users. The results highlight that presence significantly boosts vicarious satisfaction, escapism, and self-expression. While seamlessness enhances vicarious satisfaction, it doesn't markedly affect escapism or self-expression. Vicarious satisfaction contributes to hedonic benefits, albeit not to immersion. Both escapism and self-expression positively influence hedonic benefits and immersion. Hedonic benefits positively impact immersiona, satisfaction, and continuance intention. Immersion directly affects satisfaction and indirectly influences continuance intention through satisfaction. These findings challenge established ideas in gaming psychology and provide actionable insights for metaverse developers, emphasizing the importance of balanced game design for optimal user engagement and satisfaction. The research lays the groundwork for further studies, particularly in qualitative analysis and specific gaming genres.