Abstract
BackgroundIn recent computerized cognitive training studies, video games have emerged as a promising tool that can benefit cognitive function and well-being. Whereas most video game training studies have used first-person shooter (FPS) action video games, subsequent studies found that older adults dislike this type of game and generally prefer casual video games (CVGs), which are a subtype of video games that are easy to learn and use simple rules and interfaces. Like other video games, CVGs are organized into genres (eg, puzzle games) based on the rule-directed interaction with the game. Importantly, game genre not only influences the ease of interaction and cognitive abilities CVGs demand, but also affects whether older adults are willing to play any particular genre. To date, studies looking at how different CVG genres resonate with older adults are lacking.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate how much older adults enjoy different CVG genres and how favorably their CVG characteristics are rated.MethodsA total of 16 healthy adults aged 65 years and above playtested 7 CVGs from 4 genres: casual action, puzzle, simulation, and strategy video games. Thereafter, they rated casual game preference and acceptance of casual game characteristics using 4 scales from the Core Elements of the Gaming Experience Questionnaire (CEGEQ). For this, participants rated how much they liked the game (enjoyment), understood the rules of the game (game-play), learned to manipulate the game (control), and make the game their own (ownership).ResultsOverall, enjoyment and acceptance of casual game characteristics was high and significantly above the midpoint of the rating scale for all CVG genres. Mixed model analyses revealed that ratings of enjoyment and casual game characteristics were significantly influenced by CVG genre. Participants’ mean enjoyment of casual puzzle games (mean 0.95 out of 1.00) was significantly higher than that for casual simulation games (mean 0.75 and 0.73). For casual game characteristics, casual puzzle and simulation games were given significantly higher game-play ratings than casual action games. Similarly, participants’ control ratings for casual puzzle games were significantly higher than that for casual action and simulation games. Finally, ownership was rated significantly higher for casual puzzle and strategy games than for casual action games.ConclusionsThe findings of this study show that CVGs have characteristics that are suitable and enjoyable for older adults. In addition, genre was found to influence enjoyment and ratings of CVG characteristics, indicating that puzzle games are particularly easy to understand, learn, and play, and are enjoyable. Future studies should continue exploring the potential of CVG interventions for older adults in improving cognitive function, everyday functioning, and well-being. We see particular potential for CVGs in people suffering from cognitive impairment due to dementia or brain injury.
Highlights
Video Game TrainingCommercial video games are designed to be enjoyable, challenging, and capable of fostering sustained player engagement [1]
Mixed model analyses revealed that ratings of enjoyment and casual game characteristics were significantly influenced by casual video game first-person shooter (FPS) (CVG) genre
Given that recent studies suggest that CVGs have a potential in improving cognitive function and promoting emotional well-being [3], this study aims to look at whether different CVG genres are suitable and fun to play for older adults
Summary
Video Game TrainingCommercial video games are designed to be enjoyable, challenging, and capable of fostering sustained player engagement [1]. Video games are not designed for specific improvement of cognitive domains. An exception to this are cognitive exercises, or brain-trainers, that use gamification of cognitive training, where neuropsychological tests are combined with video games elements such as scorekeeping and leaderboards [3]. Cognitive benefits from playing video games can be considered more of an unintentional by-product [1]. Whereas most video game training studies have used first-person shooter (FPS) action video games, subsequent studies found that older adults dislike this type of game and generally prefer casual video games (CVGs), which are a subtype of video games that are easy to learn and use simple rules and interfaces. Game genre influences the ease of interaction and cognitive abilities CVGs demand, and affects whether older adults are willing to play any particular genre. Studies looking at how different CVG genres resonate with older adults are lacking
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