Evaluating Game-Playing Activities of a MOBA Game with Gameplay Experience Instruments

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study that aimed to evaluate gamers’ experiences in playing MOBA and DOTA2 games using gameplayexperience instruments. This study was based on a qualitative approach involving interviews and observations. The study sample consisted of 10 participants who were divided into two teams comprising five players who competed with one another in the best of five matches. Data collection through observations was performed by video recording gamers’ activities during the games and by checking them against a checklist of play experiences. Interviews were then followed that asked the players several pertinent questions to gather their opinions and feedback regarding the common experiences they gained by playing the games. The narrative analysis of recorded activities and interview feedback showed five major factors had significant impacts on players’ overall experience in playing the MOBAgame, namelycompetitiveness, mechanic, socialization, emotion, and immersion.In particular, the mechanics and emotions of the game had the most and least impacts on their overall experience, respectively.