Player Engagement Research Articles

Dampak Pembelian Dalam Game Mobile Legend Terhadap Peningkatan Keterampilan dan Keterlibatan Pemain Dengan Pengalaman Game Sebagai Variabel Moderasi

This study aims to investigate the relationship between in-game purchases in Mobile Legends and the improvement of players' playing skills and the extent to which experience factors moderate the relationship between these variables. This study uses a quantitative approach. Data will be collected through an online survey with a research instrument assessment using a Likert scale. The results of the study show that there is a significant relationship between the level of Mobile Legends player involvement and the intensity of in-game purchases. Players who are more involved tend to make in-game purchases with higher frequency and spend more money in the game. The implications of these findings are profound and cover several important aspects of the gaming industry as well as digital consumer behavior research. First of all, the microtransaction pricing adjustments suggested by this study can not only increase player engagement, but also have the potential to change the business paradigm in the gaming industry as a whole. By considering factors such as player price preferences and price sensitivity, developers can design smarter and more responsive pricing strategies. This will not only increase their revenues but also create a more inclusive and sustainable gaming ecosystem.

Investigating Marketing Strategies and Consumer Behavior of Chinese Otome Games: A Case Study of Game “Love and Deep Space”

This study investigates the marketing strategies and consumer behavior associated with Chinese otome games, using “Love and Deep Space” as a case study. Otome games, a genre predominantly targeting female players, have gained significant traction in the Chinese gaming market. This research explores how these games are marketed and how consumer behavior influences their success. Through a mixed-method approach, including market analysis, consumer surveys, the study examines promotional tactics, platform usage, and consumer preferences. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted digital marketing, the role of social media influencers, and the impact of localized content on player engagement. The results provide insights into how otome games can leverage marketing strategies to enhance their appeal in the competitive Chinese market and offer recommendations for developers aiming to optimize their marketing efforts and understand consumer preferences in this niche segment.For example, the popularity of games such as Love & Producer not only shows the commercial potential of B-girl games, but also highlights the specific needs of female gamers for game content and experiences. Therefore, game developers need to have a deep understanding of these requirements and incorporate them into game design and marketing strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage in this growing market.

Research on Online Games and Social Interaction

This paper delves into the central position of online games in contemporary society and their close relationship with social interaction. With the popularity of the Internet, online games have become one of the most important ways of leisure and social communication. The study outlines the development of MMOs, from their origins to their diverse classifications, and in particular how their unique social characteristics facilitate interactions between players. Through theoretical analysis combined with social exchange theory and symbolic interaction theory, this paper reveals the mechanisms of social interactions in MMOs, including inter-player exchanges, cooperation and competition, and explores how these interactions profoundly affect players' gaming experience and behavioural decisions. Further, this paper analyses the trend of convergence between online games and social networks, and how this convergence enhances the social attributes and player engagement of games. At the same time, the paper also focuses on the social problems that online games may bring, such as Internet addiction and social disorders, cyberbullying, etc., and looks forward to the impact of technological advances on future social interaction patterns. Finally, the paper summarises the potential and challenges faced by online games in promoting healthy social interactions, and puts forward suggestions for future research with a view to promoting the healthy development of the field of online games and social interactions.

Quest for Equity: Using multiple methodologies to promote collaboration and engagement in anti-racism education

This article explores how multiple methodologies can create new spaces to reimagine anti-racism work and enhance engagement in anti-racist education. Through the combination of two methodologies, namely design-based research (DBR) and gamification, the paper describes the design formation of the game Quest for Equity, a collaborative and engaging speaking tool. The game improved player engagement and effective collaboration, while challenging performative and racist practices in higher education. This paper provides methodological contributions such as the unique use of facilitation observation and presents an interesting way to extract elements of multiple research approaches to suit contextual goals, reimagining new solutions to historical and contemporary problems.

Real-World Geopolitical Influences on In-Game Financial Behaviour

This paper explores how real-world geopolitics can influence financial decision-making in virtual environments. The study primarily focuses on trading dynamics in a pandemic simulation game. The players manage resources and trade with each other to save their population. We compared two groups: one playing with made-up country names (control) and another with real country names (test). The players were not permitted to communicate outside of the resources the game provides and were finally ranked based on the number of months survived and trade volume. Our findings reveal two distinct player archetypes, one focusing on maximising trade volume and a second focusing on resource conservation. Real country names compared to color-coded labels seem to delay the perception of competition and reduce overall trade volume, suggesting increased immersion and a more conservative approach towards resource management. Observations from gameplay footage reveal instances of potential bias, with players forming diplomatic ties based on national identities. The data collected suggests that real-world geopolitics can influence financial behaviour in virtual environments as hypothesised. It also explores virtual environments to study how political narratives and dynamics affect human decision-making. The findings offer practical insights for game developers regarding fostering player engagement, mitigating bias, and creating fair economies. While parallels with real-world resource trading and allocation during pandemics were noted, further analysis would be required to explore these connections.

AI-Driven Traffic Simulation using Unity: Implementing Finite State Machines for Adaptive NPC Behaviour

This research develops an AI-powered traffic simulation using the Unity Engine, leveraging finite state machines (FSM) to enable adaptive and responsive non-player characters (NPCs). The integration of FSM with advanced pathfinding algorithms, such as A*, allows NPCs to dynamically adjust their behavior based on traffic conditions, obstacles, and environmental changes. The experimental results indicate a 25% improvement in route optimization and a 30% reduction in path conflicts compared to conventional static models, demonstrating the robustness of the proposed approach. Optimized navmesh deployment further enhances navigation fluidity, ensuring efficient agent movement in high-density scenarios without compromising system performance. The findings establish the effectiveness of the FSM-driven NPC behavior in simulating realistic traffic environments, contributing both to the advancement of AI applications in game development and urban planning. By providing an interactive platform for traffic management, this simulation offers a practical tool to study congestion patterns and test intervention strategies. In addition, it improves player engagement by fostering emergent gameplay through dynamic NPC interactions. Future work could explore the integration of real-time procedural generation or multiplayer functionality to enrich simulation depth and scalability. This study provides a comprehensive framework that bridges AI-based mechanics with simulation technology, providing significant insights for researchers and practitioners in game design, artificial intelligence, and urban planning.

Research on Online Games and Social Interaction

This paper delves into the central position of online games in contemporary society and their close relationship with social interaction. With the popularity of the Internet, online games have become one of the most important ways of leisure and social communication. The study outlines the development of MMOs, from their origins to their diverse classifications, and in particular how their unique social characteristics facilitate interactions between players. Through theoretical analysis combined with social exchange theory and symbolic interaction theory, this paper reveals the mechanisms of social interactions in MMOs, including inter-player exchanges, cooperation and competition, and explores how these interactions profoundly affect players' gaming experience and behavioural decisions. Further, this paper analyses the trend of convergence between online games and social networks, and how this convergence enhances the social attributes and player engagement of games. At the same time, the paper also focuses on the social problems that online games may bring, such as Internet addiction and social disorders, cyberbullying, etc., and looks forward to the impact of technological advances on future social interaction patterns. Finally, the paper summarises the potential and challenges faced by online games in promoting healthy social interactions, and puts forward suggestions for future research with a view to promoting the healthy development of the field of online games and social interactions.

Single Leg Hop Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Ready for Landing but Cleared for Take-Off?

Understanding former professional football players engagement with health promoting behaviors (physical exercise, high quality diet, and good sleep hygiene) will be helpful for developing lifestyle interventions to improve their feelings of well-being, a relatively understudied facet of health among this population. Examine associations among health-promoting behaviors and subjective outcomes related to well-being among former National Football League (NFL) players. Cross-sectional. Online or hard-copy survey. Former NFL players. Self-reported health-promoting behaviors (exercise frequency, diet quality, sleep duration and disturbance) and factors related to well-being (PROMIS ® Meaning and Purpose [MP], Self-Efficacy [SE], Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities [SRA]). Multivariable linear regression models were fit for each well-being-related factor with health-promoting behaviors as explanatory variables alongside select demographic, behavioral, and functional covariates. Models were fit for the full sample and separately for individual age groups: <30 years; 30-39 years; 40-49 years; 50-59 years; 60-69 years; and 70+ years. A total of 1,784 former NFL players (aged 52.3±16.3 years) completed the survey. Lower sleep disturbance was associated with better MP (β[standard error]=-0.196[0.024]), SE (β[standard error]=-0.185[0.024]), and SRA (β[standard error]=-0.137[0.017]) in the full sample and almost all the individual age groups. More frequent moderate-to-vigorous exercise was associated with higher MP (β[standard error]=0.068[0.025]) and SRA (β[standard error]=0.151[0.065]) in the full sample, and with better MP, SE, and SRA among select middle-aged groups (between 40-69 years old). Diet quality, resistance training exercise frequency, other wellness activity frequency, and sleep duration were not associated with well-being-related factors in the full-group and sparse significant associations were observed in individual age group models. Lower sleep disturbance and more frequent moderate-to-vigorous exercise frequency may be important targets for improving overall health and well-being among former NFL players.

The impact of performance degree on players: Exploring player enjoyment and engagement in the dynamic of game process

This study explores the intricate dynamics between player performance, reward frequency, and unpredictability in gaming experiences within the context of game refinement theory. It introduces three key concepts: m (inherent game risk), k (player skill level), and N (reward frequency concerning reinforcement learning), and investigates how their interplay influences player engagement and enjoyment. The research aims to contribute theoretical advancements in game design, user experience, and behavioral psychology by employing the motion-in-mind model. The findings reveal that highly skilled players (lower k) derive greater enjoyment due to their ability to navigate uncertainties efficiently, reaching an equilibrium where the measure of game refinement (GR) equals the measure of unpredictability (AD). The study examines how players transition from k=3 (average skill) to k=2 (high skill), leading to a heightened gaming perception akin to perfect players. The research uncovers relationships between player skill (k), game risk (m), and reward frequency (N). Furthermore, we extend previous research by observing the ratio of GR and AD values (denoted as ϕ) to explore the balance between entertainment and surprise in different game types, providing valuable perspectives for practitioners and academicians.

Designing serious games to advance climate change adaptation

The escalating impact of climate change necessitates innovative strategies to enhance public understanding and action. This research delves into the potential of serious games as transformative tools for climate change education and adaptation. Despite their rising popularity, serious games face challenges in effectively conveying complex climate science concepts and achieving desired learning outcomes. This study builds upon existing frameworks to propose tailored guidelines for designing serious games focused on climate change adaptation. We anchor our guidelines on the Design, Play, Experience (DPE) framework to scaffold strategies to create more effective serious games for climate change adaptation. We propose 11 elements that should be considered between player engagement and design when creating serious games. Through iterative playtesting and community involvement, we underscore the significance of reflecting on language, comprehension, timing, and social dynamics. This work bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and actionable insights in the development of serious games to equip decision-makers and communities with the tools to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Eight types of video game experience

The study of game experience is a well-established area within game research, supported by numerous models. These models, while valuable, often focus on analyzing game experiences within specific contexts rather than facilitating comparative analyses. Addressing this research gap, our study empirically identifies prevalent game experience types that are common across various games. By analyzing 5,372 game experience descriptions provided by 1,193 survey respondents, this research employs a survey design inspired by the flow of qualitative interviews, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors shaping these experiences. Through latent class analysis, we delineate eight distinct game experience types: Compelling Challenge, Immersive Exploring, Creative Caring, Energetic Rushing, Competitive Shooting, Cheerful Bouncing, Strategic Management, and Daily Dwelling. Each type is analyzed in terms of both the variables from the latent class analysis and additional survey variables, enhancing our understanding of their unique and comparative characteristics. This approach sheds light on the multifaceted nature of game experiences and broadens our insights into player engagement across different game genres, offering practical implications for game design, marketing, and future research.

Predicting Online Gaming Behaviour Using Machine Learning Techniques

Understanding player behaviour in online gaming is essential for enhancing user engagement and retention. This study utilizes a dataset from Kaggle, capturing a wide range of player demographics and in-game metrics to predict player engagement levels categorized as 'High,' 'Medium,' or 'Low.' The dataset includes features such as age, gender, location, game genre, playtime, in-game purchases, game difficulty, session frequency, session duration, player level, and achievements. The research employs a Gaussian Naive Bayes model, with data pre-processing steps including feature selection, categorical data encoding, and scaling of numerical features. The dataset is split into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets, and a 5-fold cross-validation is used to ensure model robustness. The model's performance is evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results show consistent performance across different folds, with an average accuracy of 84.27%, precision of 85.59%, recall of 84.27%, and F1-score of 83.98%. These findings indicate that the Gaussian Naive Bayes model can reliably predict player engagement levels, identifying significant predictors such as session frequency and in-game purchases. The study contributes to game analytics by providing a predictive model that can help game developers and marketers design more engaging gaming experiences. Future research should incorporate a broader range of features, including psychological and social factors, and explore other machine learning algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy. This study's insights are valuable for developing strategies to improve player retention and satisfaction in the gaming industry.

Sympathy for the Devil: Serial Mediation Models for Toxicity, Community, and Retention

Disruptive behaviors in online gaming communities are a growing concern, affecting player experience, retention, and well-being. While previous research has primarily focused on the victims’ experiences, this study examines the psychological mechanisms underlying the attitudinal and behavioral responses to both encountering disruptive behaviors and being flagged for such behaviors, as well as the effects on retention. The study retrieved longitudinal telemetry records of player reporting and gameplay data from the North American server of a popular competitive player vs. player multiplayer online game, coupled with a psychometric survey of a randomly selected sample of 1,217 players. Based on the rejection-disidentification model, this research identifies a shared pathway for both reporting and being reported for disruptive behavior. Our findings support a serial mediation model where both experiences are linked to decreased player engagement. This reduced engagement, reflected in diminished participation in game battles over time, is mediated by perceived discrimination and a reduced sense of community. Moreover, drawing on the concept of procedural justice from the group engagement model, the study delineates unique pathways for the disengagement process for reporters and those reported. Being flagged for disruptive behavior leads to a significant drop in sustained engagement through a decreased sense of community, which is not the case for reporting disruptive behavior. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Student feedback guides the development of a microbiome card game “No Guts No Glory”

Introduction: We frequently associate microbes with infection, rarely expounding on their usefulness and importance to healthy development. For humanity to leverage these microbial “super powers”, learners from all backgrounds need to appreciate their utility and consider how microbes could help solve some of the most critical problems we face. However, learners are frequently uninterested or intimidated by microbiology. The card game “No Guts No Glory” was created to engage students by piquing curiosity and encouraging informal learning to change perceptions and advocate the value of microbes to good health. Methods: Undergraduates from various faculties in the National University of Singapore were invited to play and give feedback on accessibility, engagement and self-reported learning gains. Results: The game was well-received across disciplinary backgrounds with positive feedback (5-point scale) on game mechanics being fun (4.17±0.63), attractive artwork (3.83±1.00) and scientific snippets (3.79±1.04), positive re-playability (3.46±0.84), player engagement for those without foundational knowledge in microbiology (3.63±1.04), and usefulness of knowledge taught (3.54±1.10). Areas for improvement evidenced from feedback included unclear instructions (2.74±0.98), limited content taught (2.76±0.93), not generating interest to attend formal microbiome classes (2.88±1.17) and not prompting lifestyle changes (1.98±1.11). Conclusion: This pilot study provided valuable insights from the target demographic, with concrete ideas on how to improve the educational potential of “No Guts No Glory”. Findings further lay the groundwork for the design of future instruments to objectively quantify learning gains from gameplay. Keywords: Game-based Learning, Microbiome, Microbiology, Card Game, No Guts No Glory

Set Players to Stun: Inducing Basic Psychological Need Frustration in a Casual Video Game

Abstract This study investigates the concept of psychological need frustration within the context of video games. We explore the potential of discrete in-game events, specifically the usage of widely popular ‘stun’ mechanics, to induce feelings of need frustration in players. We designed, developed and experimentally tested a bespoke video game with four conditions: No Stuns, Avoidable Stuns, Unavoidable Stuns and Layered Stuns (a combination of avoidable and unavoidable stuns). Our findings show that Unavoidable Stuns lead to statistically significantly greater autonomy need frustration. This finding has important implications for games research, as psychological need frustration is linked to negative effects on player engagement and wellbeing. Our results also highlight that a variety of stun mechanics can undermine psychological need satisfaction. Taken together, this work makes a meaningful contribution to HCI and games literature, showcasing that game mechanics can be designed in a way that undermines psychological needs.

Utilizing the game design factor questionnaire to develop engaging games for adaptive learning in the serious educational game: the Ma'had

This study explores the unique mandatory residence, Ma'had Sunan Ampel Al Alyi (MSAA), at the State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, aiming to develop Quranic reading competence in new students. The varying educational backgrounds of admitted students lead to differences in their Quranic reading capabilities, highlighting the need for adaptive learning. In response to this diversity, adaptive learning using artificial intelligence is employed, implemented through the serious education game "The Ma'had." Survey results from expert individuals using a Game Design Factor Questionnaire reveal the game's substantial potential. The results show high agreement (100%) on clear goals, engaging gameplay, and a sense of freedom, with 67% strongly agreeing on improved understanding. Challenges are motivating, and the game successfully sparks curiosity. "The Ma’had" Game proves effective, but further research is recommended to explore variations in player engagement and compare results with expert test subjects, employing alternative quantitative testing methods for a comprehensive analysis.

City Of Dreams: An Open-World Games

In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution, with open-world games emerging as a dominant genre that captivates players with expansive virtual worlds, intricate narratives, and immersive gameplay experiences. Among these innovative titles, "City of Dreams" stands out as a pinnacle of open-world game design, offering players a richly detailed urban landscape to explore, inhabit, and shape according to their desires. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of "City of Dreams," examining its technical development, player engagement dynamics, societal impact, and broader implications within the gaming industry and digital culture. The technical development of "City of Dreams" is explored in detail, encompassing various aspects such as game engine selection, character animation, environment design, and physics implementation. By delving into the technical intricacies of game development, this research sheds light on the creative processes and technological innovations that underpin the creation of immersive gaming experiences. Furthermore, the paper investigates the player engagement dynamics of "City of Dreams," exploring how its diverse gameplay mechanics, immersive world design, and compelling narrative drive player engagement and immersion. Through an analysis of player behavior, feedback, and interaction patterns, insights are gained into the factors that contribute to the game's success and longevity. Keywords—open-world games, player experience, player behavior, game development, immersive environments, Non-Playable Characters (NPCs).

Decentralized Dreams - Crafting a Secure and Fair Blockchain Gaming Environment

This ambitions to discover the potential of blockchain generation in revolutionizing the gaming enterprise through developing a secure and honest gaming environment. This studies assignment delves into the concepts of decentralization, security, and fairness inside blockchain-based gaming systems, focusing on the improvement and essential evaluation of a prototype platform. Keywords: blockchain era, gaming industry, decentralization, safety, equity, prototype platform. Through an intensive literature overview, methodological technique, implementation, and vital analysis, this task investigates the challenges and opportunities in crafting a blockchain-based gaming environment that prioritizes consumer safety, asset possession, and honest gameplay. The results and findings from the implementation phase are analyzed to assess the platform's performance, scalability, and person revel in, supplying valuable insights for future improvements and advancements in blockchain gaming structures. Keywords—Blockchain Technology, Decentralized Gaming, Ownership, In-Game Assets, Smart Contracts, Security Measures, Fairness Mechanisms, User Experience, Scalability, Interoperability, Market Research, Regulatory Compliance, Innovation, Player Engagement, Future Improvements.

Synergizing Diffusion Models and Psychological Insights in Game Character Design

This study investigates the integration of diffusion models and psychological principles in game character design, a pivotal factor in augmenting player engagement in the dynamic gaming industry. Recognized for their proficiency in generating diverse and superior quality images, diffusion models are employed to systematize and refine the character design process. This methodological approach not only boosts efficiency but also fosters creativity in formulating character concepts. The research highlights the critical role of integrating psychological insights, aiming to align character designs more intimately with the emotional and psychological needs of players. By melding the technical prowess of diffusion models with a deep understanding of psychology, this study introduces a structured and efficient methodology for creating game characters. This novel approach ensures characters are not only visually striking but also emotionally engaging, deepening the bond between player and character and potentially enhancing player immersion. The study emphasizes the untapped potential of diffusion models in artistic endeavors and the significance of psychological considerations in game design, laying the groundwork for future innovations in this arena.

Role of AI Chatbots in Revolutionizing Gaming Experiences - A Survey

This paper investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots into video games to enhance player experiences. In the realm of modern entertainment, video games often grapple with the constraint of linear storytelling, limiting replayability and the diversity of player interactions. Addressing this challenge, the study advocates for the adoption of AI chatbots, offering a detailed analysis of their features in comparison to traditional chatbot systems. The literature review explores recent research on AI chatbots in gaming, emphasizing their impact on transforming storytelling and fostering stronger connections with players. Ethical considerations related to data access and job displacement concerns are highlighted, emphasizing the necessity for player-centric development. Through a combination of comprehensive literature review and practical analysis of free and open-source games, the research assesses key features, including game type, engine, platform, AI capabilities, player engagement, NPC (non-playable character) behavior, visuals, and identified issues. The comparative analysis distinguishes the strengths and weaknesses of AI chatbots and traditional counterparts in gaming, providing valuable insights for developers aiming to create more immersive and dynamic gaming experiences.