Emotional reactions of different interface formats: Comparing digital and traditional board games

Yu-Min Fang,Kuen-Meau Chen,Yi-Jhen Huang

doi:10.1177/1687814016641902

Yu-Min Fang, Kuen-Meau Chen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/1687814016641902

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Abstract

Some games provide both traditional board games and digital versions at the same time in the market. Why the rise of virtual games has not forced traditional physical board games to disappear? Do traditional physical games evoke different emotional reactions and interpersonal relationships? This article explored the subjects’ preferences toward traditional and digital versions of the same game and investigated social interaction while playing games. Based on Norman’s three emotional design levels—visceral, behavioral, and reflective levels—this study examined players’ satisfaction degree. This study also applied Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to measure subjects’ emotional reactions. Monopoly and Jenga games were selected as stimuli. A total of 77 subjects received tests of three different interface formats (physical, desktop, and tablet) and then filled out the questionnaire. The findings successfully evidenced the significant differences between digital and traditional board games. The statistical results indicated that satisfaction degrees of digital games declined in visceral, behavioral, and reflective levels. Traditional games not only evoked users’ stronger emotional reactions but also received higher preferences. Traditional games could improve interpersonal relationships as well.

Highlights

With the vigorous development of technology, modern gaming industries arise
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) consists of 20 questions and applies 5-point Likert scale: 1 means strongly disagree and 5 represents highly agree
Social interaction refers to the degree of sense of interpersonal relationships with friends while playing a game

Summary

Introduction

With the vigorous development of technology, modern gaming industries arise. Some popular and long-lasting games are sold in different versions of interface formats. Their digital desktop and tablet computer games, as well as traditional physical board games, exist at the same time in the market. There should be some reasons that the rise of virtual games does not force traditional physical board games to disappear. Which game formats evoke stronger emotional responses and gain higher players’ satisfaction degree? Do physical games improve interpersonal relationships as some experts claim? Is it possible that following factors be the reasons: players’ satisfaction degree, emotional response, and social interaction? Which game formats evoke stronger emotional responses and gain higher players’ satisfaction degree? Do physical games improve interpersonal relationships as some experts claim? Is it possible that following factors be the reasons: players’ satisfaction degree, emotional response, and social interaction?

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