Game Experience Research Articles

Co-activation patterns during viewing of different video game genres

Past research has revealed cognitive improvements resulting from engagement with both traditional action video games and newer action-like video games, such as action real-time strategy games (ARSG). However, the cortical dynamics elicited by different video gaming genres remain unclear. This study explored the temporal dynamics of cortical networks in response to different gaming genres. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were obtained during eye-closed resting and passive viewing of gameplay videos of three genres: life simulation games (LSG), first-person shooter games (FPS), and ARSG. Data analysis used a seed-free Co-Activation Pattern (CAP) based on Regions of Interest (ROIs). When comparing the viewing of action-like video games (FPS and ARSG) to LSG viewing, significant dynamic distinctions were observed in both primary and higher-order networks. Within action-like video games, compared to FPS viewing, ARSG viewing elicited a more pronounced increase in the Fraction of Time and Counts of attentional control-related CAPs, along with an increased Transition Probability from sensorimotor-related CAPs to attentional control-related CAPs. Compared to ARSG viewing, FPS viewing elicited a significant increase in the Fraction of Time of sensorimotor-related CAPs, when gaming experience was considered as a covariate. Thus, different video gaming genres, including distinct action-like video gaming genres, elicited unique dynamic patterns in whole-brain CAPs, potentially influencing the development of various cognitive processes.

Development and assessment of a virtual escape-room game for teaching industrial bioprocesses.

This article presents a study on the implementation of a virtual escape-room game as a novel teaching methodology in biochemistry education. The game aimed to engage students in producing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 while reinforcing theoretical concepts and fostering teamwork. Three versions of the game were tested, incorporating modifications to address student feedback on and improve the overall experience. The study employed a satisfaction survey to gather insights from students regarding their perception of the game. Results showed that the implementation of answer flexibility using RegEx had a significant positive impact on student satisfaction and motivation. The introduction of RegEx allowed for a more realistic and immersive gaming experience, as students could provide varied answers while still being evaluated correctly. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of the game's design, the suitability of the Google Forms platform for distance learning, and the importance of incorporating answer flexibility through RegEx. These results provide valuable guidance for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and satisfaction through the use of escape-room games in biochemistry education.

Gaming expertise induces meso‑scale brain plasticity and efficiency mechanisms as revealed by whole-brain modeling

Video games are a valuable tool for studying the effects of training and neural plasticity on the brain. However, the underlying mechanisms related to plasticity-associated brain structural changes and their impact on brain dynamics are unknown. Here, we used a semi-empirical whole-brain model to study structural neural plasticity mechanisms linked to video game expertise. We hypothesized that video game expertise is associated with neural plasticity-mediated changes in structural connectivity that manifest at the meso‑scale level, resulting in a more segregated functional network topology. To test this hypothesis, we combined structural connectivity data of StarCraft II video game players (VGPs, n = 31) and non-players (NVGPs, n = 31), with generic fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project and computational models, to generate simulated fMRI recordings. Graph theory analysis on simulated data was performed during both resting-state conditions and external stimulation. VGPs’ simulated functional connectivity was characterized by a meso‑scale integration, with increased local connectivity in frontal, parietal, and occipital brain regions. The same analyses at the level of structural connectivity showed no differences between VGPs and NVGPs. Regions that increased their connectivity strength in VGPs are known to be involved in cognitive processes crucial for task performance such as attention, reasoning, and inference. In-silico stimulation suggested that differences in FC between VGPs and NVGPs emerge in noisy contexts, specifically when the noisy level of stimulation is increased. This indicates that the connectomes of VGPs may facilitate the filtering of noise from stimuli. These structural alterations drive the meso‑scale functional changes observed in individuals with gaming expertise. Overall, our work sheds light on the mechanisms underlying structural neural plasticity triggered by video game experiences.

The effectiveness of the Escape Room as an educational methodology in the Infarction Code

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention (escape room) in the acquisition and retention of knowledge in relation to the Infarction Code, and to compare the knowledge of other teaching methodologies related to the Infarction Code. MethodsA pre-post study was designed without a control group. After one month of the master class on the Infarction Code given to master’s degree (doctors and nurses), an educational intervention was carried out consisting of an Escape Room on the same content, with a questionnaire that collected various sociodemographic data, and a knowledge test on the Infarction Code, which was repeated immediately after the activity and at the end of 2 months after the activity, and a test of knowledge on the Infarction Code. immediately after the activity and 2 months after the master class. Likewise, after the activity, a gamified experience evaluation questionnaire (GAMEX) was completed. ResultsThirty-two students received the educational intervention (12 physicians and 20 nurses), and differences were observed between medical and nursing professionals in terms of initial knowledge of simulation and gamification. After the activity, and based on the initial knowledge test, the score increased by 3.49 points, an increase that was also reflected in the test taken two months after the master class, where an increase of 2.08 points was maintained. The participants rated the experience positively, with no significant overall differences between the two professional groups. ConclusionsThe nurses had greater knowledge and contact with clinical simulation, virtual reality and gamification. The escape room showed to be a valid method for the assimilation and retention of knowledge in master’s degree students. Medical professionals experienced a greater degree of immersion in the activity.

HIRE ME!: Interactive Gaming Simulation as a Teaching Aid to Enhance English Speaking Skills Among UTHM Students

English is the dominant language in many nations throughout the world. Nonetheless, despite the government’s efforts, Malaysian university students still see speaking English as a daunting endeavour. This article discusses how interactive simulation games may be used as a teaching tool to help Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) students improve their English-speaking abilities. Furthermore, the purpose of this research is to study the fundamentals of English-speaking skills, to design an informative and appealing interactive simulation gaming as a teaching aid, and to verify the effectiveness of interactive simulation gaming in enhancing English-speaking abilities. A mixed method design combining qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches was employed. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a professor from the Centre for Language Studies at UTHM, and the collected data were carefully verified with content analysis. Additionally, a questionnaire was distributed among 69 UTHM students from different faculties to gather insights on how to design an interactive and engaging gaming simulator for English speaking learning. Once the data have been collected, it will be thoroughly analysed and validate with descriptive analysis. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the fundamental aspects of English language learning and provide opportunities for further improvement and refinement of the game. Future studies could focus on refining the game’s aesthetics and overall visual appeal, creating a more immersive and captivating gaming experience, and incorporating elements of gamification to further enhance motivation and drive sustained engagement. The game can be created by making it into Virtual reality, the players are able to immerse the gameplay of feeling in a real situation of being interview while answer the questions that has been given out by the game has provided.

Don't Flip the Table Yet: A Framework for the Analysis of Visual and Cognitive Ergonomics in Board Games

Board games provide immersive and enjoyable experiences for players, but they can also pose usability challenges. This article presents a comprehensive framework for analyzing board game design, focusing on identifying the elements that make play inadvertently difficult or fatiguing. The proposed framework analyses board games as a user interface between the players and the board game mechanics, thereby focusing on the presentation aspects without altering the underlying rules. The intent is to preserve the deliberate design challenges that enhance gameplay while pinpointing the elements that affect the game experience negatively. We employ a methodology that begins with the observation of players’ behavioral cues to infer internal states such as cognitive or visual fatigue. These inferred states serve as a basis to identify problematic features in the game components or presentation. We illustrate the framework through a series of case studies, providing practical examples of the analysis process through an idiographic approach.

BatSight: A Navigation Game to Map Environmental Information into Audio Cues

By using sound to visualize the real-world environment, audio games can offer a completely new game experience. In this paper, we study how audio cues can be visualized in computer games to enhance the navigation skills of players. To this end, we propose an audio game in which blindfolded players move through a physical maze with the help of audio cues. To realize this game, a sonar headset is designed and built based on ultrasonic sensors, which maps the external environment features into musical sounds. The game is played in a real-world environment and uses an augmented reality approach as it adds virtual sounds to the real world. The gaming environment of this game is a physical maze, where the blindfolded players enter the maze while wearing the sonar headset. A user study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using different sound mapping techniques on navigation performance and playing experience in the game proposed in this paper. The results show that producing musical sound can lead to better navigation performance, game experience, and immersion in players.

Analyzing the meta dimensions in TRPGs: Meta-action, metacognition, and metagaming

Roleplay has critically influenced academic dialogue on education, psychology, and narrative. However, little research has been conducted around "gaming sessions," specifically the "point of contact" amongst participants, due to its ephemeral qualities and the subjective nature of the co-creative process. Acknowledging the complexity of the subject, the authors established a clear set of definitions. They conducted a literature review to examine the existing understanding of critical components related to gameplay in Tabletop Roleplay Games (TRPGs). They are exploring TRPGs through the lens of narrative storytelling to understand better and categorize the 'collaborative' and 'co-designed interactions during the gameplay experience. The paper discusses the three interconnected ideas of meta-action, metacognition, and metagaming concerning the effective co-creation process and its impact on how participants collectively create and explore fantasy worlds in an imaginary cosmos by using a vast system of concepts, rules, and mechanisms that function as the background or canvas for action and interaction amongst them. As Language, Communication, and Education occupy a central role in the gaming experience, miscommunication and assumptions will lead to a break in immersion. Metagaming is commonly labeled as the "worst" that can happen in a gaming session. The problem is that it is also commonly confused with meta-action and metacognition, which are essential to the game. This article aims to provide the tools to all players that will allow them to enjoy a more engaging in-game experience, based on the idea that the more players manage metagaming properly, the better the game experience will be for all participants involved. The main focus is defining essential discourse clearly and clarifying the line between in-game and extra-game narration, description, and action. The authors will start conceptualizing the situation by defining general terms. A systematic review of the literature (SRL) integrated into the three phases, planning, management, and reporting the results, will be presented in the following sections. An analysis of the concepts of' Gaming and extra gaming' followed by brief 'Examples at the point of contact' and conversations around 'Action and Meta-actions' will serve as a reference to discuss the metacognition and metagaming concepts. Finally, the authors will present their conclusions and a glossary of terms.

Enhancing the Adaptative Gamification Process Through User Behavior and Context

This article presents an innovative approach to developing a strategy for situational awareness in an adaptive gamification framework within the context of Collaborative location-based collecting systems (CLCS). The proposed approach involves incorporating five key factors that represent user behavior and context in the adaptive gamification process for CLCS. These factors include player preferences, player status, gamified activities, groupware activities, and project goal status. Each factor is crucial in describing various aspects of the framework and groupware interaction that players should be aware of during their game experience. By acquiring knowledge about these five axes, users can analyze and react appropriately to various situations. This modeling approach enables the early development of awareness and facilitates decision-making. Ultimately, this article serves as a useful guide for improving existing frameworks and enhancing the overall user experience through situational awareness.

Playing Tetris with Your Mind: A BCI-Controlled Gaming Experience

Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Tetris: Exploring Feasibility and User Experience. This project explores the feasibility and user experience of controlling a Tetris game using a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The BCI system utilizes non-invasive Electroencephalography (EEG) to detect P300 brainwaves generated by user focus on specific on-screen cues corresponding to desired game actions (left, right, rotate, drop).An ESP8266 microcontroller board, EEG sensor, and display are used to create a portable BCI system. Software development leverages open-source libraries for EEG signal processing, classification, and game engine control (onboard or external).The experiment evaluates BCI control performance through metrics like accuracy, speed, and Tetris completion rate. A control group playing traditional Tetris (if applicable) allows for comparison. Subjective user experience is assessed through questionnaires and surveys. The results are expected to demonstrate the feasibility of BCI- controlled Tetris using affordable hardware. Potential trade-offs between BCI control speed and traditional methods will be explored. User experience analysis will provide insights into the challenge, enjoyment, and future directions of BCI gaming. This project contributes to the growing field of BCI applications by demonstrating its potential for novel and mind-controlled gaming experiences. Keywords: Brain-Computer Interface, Electroencephalography, performance.

Symmetric analysis in a wheelchair basketball player during an incremental intermittent test: a case study

BACKGROUND: Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a sport aimed at people with permanent disabilities in the lower limbs, with a functional classification system that allows the inclusion of various levels of injury from 1 to 4.5. Thus, it is natural that there is an increase in the search for greater sports performance which is related to physiological and kinematic analyses. AIM: The present study aimed to compare the symmetry of temporal kinematic variables in the different zones of effort intensity during an incremental intermittent field test. METHOD: The sample consisted of 1 male player aged (27 years), with spinal cord injury, with more than 5 years of gaming experience. The player performed the incremental field Yo-Yo Test - IR1 and the linear kinematics of the propulsive cycle was estimated. RESULTS: The results indicated that wheelchair propulsion is a symmetrical movement, although some asymmetries seem to be perceived qualitatively, but without a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: It was found that despite the injury to the right shoulder, there is symmetry in terms of wheelchair propulsion.

Playing for keeps or just playing with emotion? Studying tilt and emotion regulation in video games.

In video gaming, tilt is thought to relate to poor emotional control and game performance. Despite widespread recognition of tilt in video gaming, there is a lack of research examining tilt empirically. One thousand and seven gamers took part in our online study examining gamers experience of tilt, the factors which contribute to and protect against tilt, and the emotion regulation strategies gamers employ to deal with tilt. Gamers who reported playing for more competitive reasons, were at higher risk of experiencing tilt. Additional factors associated with an increased risk of experiencing tilt were increased anger and more hours spent playing. Protective factors against experiencing tilt were also identified, inclusive of a greater number of years gaming experience and engagement in adaptive emotion regulation strategies. This study provides an important starting point for creating a better understanding of tilt in gaming, equipping us with new knowledge to better support gamers to improve their emotion regulation during game play performance.

Analysis of the Difference Between PUBG and FORTNITE

PUBG is a video game that was created in South Korea. Following its release, the book gained significant popularity in East Asia and was subsequently acquired by China's Tencent Game Company. Subsequently, it underwent revisions and transformed into the Chinese iteration of PUBG, renowned as "Peace Elite". FORTNITE originated in North Carolina, USA, and has gained immense popularity across the United States. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of 100-player competitive games in East Asia and the United States. The study will utilize game interaction comparison, game design comparison, and game experience comparison to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each region. The study's findings indicate that PUBG's earlier publication has resulted in a more thorough and realistic system and game settings. The cartoonish aesthetics and futuristic elements of FORTNITE have garnered significant appeal among a large number of young players.

Maze Of Faith : The Perfect Pray

The development of the gaming industry demands developers to create more immersive playing experiences. In this context, the use of Finite State Machine (FSM) has become a popular and effective solution for managing storyline progression and structured character development. This article discusses the basic concepts of FSM and illustrates its implementation in the game "Maze of Faith: Perfect Prayer" as a means of education and entertainment. The application of FSM in this game aims to enhance gameplay dynamics and provide a clear structure to the player's journey. The article elaborates on the fundamental FSM concepts applied in the game, highlighting how FSM usage can improve the quality of the playing experience for gamers. Through an analysis of FSM implementation in this game, the article provides a deeper understanding of how the FSM framework can be utilized to control storyline progression, character behavior, and overall gameplay dynamics. The implementation of FSM in "Maze of Faith: Perfect Prayer" has a positive impact on creating a well-structured, dynamic, and relevant playing experience aligned with modern player expectations.

ERGODIC VIDEO GAMES AS AGONIST OF MASOCHISM IN GAMERS

Throughout their history, even though their purpose and function have essentially remained unchanged, video games have repeatedly changed their essence, from pioneering technical endeavors, through arcade machines, to thoroughly complex modern video games. At a certain stage of their development, video games were very difficult to complete, with one of the main reasons being that for many years games were primarily played on coin-operated arcade machines, so it was in developers' interest for the games to be challenging. However, there is a crucial difference between difficult video games and video games that we call ergodic video games. The essential difference is that ergodic video games (or video games with ergodic elements) require players to adopt a non-trivial approach, i.e., additional effort, skill, and dedication, and since ergodicity drastically changes the difficulty level of the game, it also requires certain character traits from players, in terms of readiness to respond to frustration with persistence rather than giving up, which often borders on a specific type of masochism. Therefore, ergodic video games are colloquially called masocore games, which is a portmanteau of the words "masochism" and "hardcore". This paper aims to explore the causality between ergodic video games and the existence of masochistic character traits in players who play them, as well as how such games, by combining pain and frustration on one side with pleasure and a sense of accomplishment on the other side, provide a gaming experience that is almost impossible to experience by playing classic, non-ergodic video games.

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).

Video gaming, but not reliance on GPS, is associated with spatial navigation performance

Recent evidence suggests that greater reliance on GPS-assisted devices is associated with poorer navigation ability. Studies have also shown that video gaming may be associated with navigation ability. We investigated the effect of video game experience and reliance on GPS on navigation ability using the mobile app Sea Hero Quest, which has been shown to predict real-world wayfinding performance. We tested a group of US-based participants' wayfinding performance (n = 822, 367 men, 455 women, mean age = 26.3 years, range = 18–52 years) and asked them a series of questions relating to reliance on GPS and video game experience. A multiple linear regression model found no significant association between reliance on GPS and wayfinding performance. There was a significant association between weekly hours of video gaming and wayfinding performance. These findings provide a platform for future intervention-based research studies investigating whether daily activities may causally enhance or disrupt specific cognitive abilities.

ANALISIS GAME IMMERSION BERBASIS AUGMENTED REALITY “ANGRY BIRD AR: ISLE OF PIGS” TERHADAP PENGALAMAN PEMAIN

Rapid technological developments in the modern era produce technological products such as Augmented Reality (AR). Currently, AR has been utilized as an information technology that supports the productivity of various fields such as education, medical, military, industry, and entertainment. One of the uses of AR in the entertainment field can be seen in the emergence of AR-based games in the game mechanism. AR-based games have started to emerge since the high public interest in the Pokemon GO game in 2016; until now, games have appeared as a result of the transformation that was originally a video game-based game into an AR-based game such as Angry Bird AR. It is very compelling to learn more about how AR-based games' user experience can affect game immersion as an important aspect of game development. The research method employed was a quantitative method using the game experience questionnaire (GEQ) as a measuring tool to assess the influence of game immersion variables on user experience in the Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs game. This study found that game immersion has a positive impact on player user experience, but it is essential to consider flow aspects, especially in building the game world. Keywords: Augmented Reality, Game, Game Immersion, User Experience.

Design and research of educational mode in context of teaching gamification

With the development of science and technology, the education model is also constantly evolving. Teaching games is an increasingly concerned educational strategy, which can improve students’ interest and participation in learning through gamification. In order to further optimize the effect of teaching gamification, this paper uses a clustering algorithm to analyse students’ learning situation and determine the main factors affecting students’ participation, including learning motivation, learning tasks, social interaction and game experience. Based on the results of learning situation analysis, the naive Bayes algorithm is used to analyse students learning behaviour. The model can predict students’ future learning needs and interests according to their learning history and behaviour, so as to recommend the most suitable gamified learning resources for them. The design and implementation of this model can help to improve the effect of teaching gamification and provide students with a more personalized learning experience. At the same time, the model also helps teachers to better understand students’ learning needs and interests, so as to better guide their learning.

Disordered gaming: the interplay between user-avatar bond and sexual minority status

ABSTRACT Online gamers represent themselves virtually through their in-game avatar, providing opportunities for connection and self-expression. Prior research indicates associations between aspects of the user-avatar bond (UAB) and more intensive gaming involvement. However, experiences may vary based on individual differences like sexual minority status (i.e. LGBTIQ+), warranting further investigation. Thus, the present study examined whether UAB profiles varied for heterosexual versus non-heterosexual gamers, to elucidate potential discrepancies in avatar engagement and gaming experiences related to sexual orientation. The study comprised an Australian community sample of 488 players (48.2% women, 73.3% heterosexual, Mage = 31.6 years) of Massive Multiplayer Online games. An online survey assessed demographic characteristics, user-avatar bond (UAB), and disordered gaming – which was additionally measured after six months (n = 270). Latent profile analysis revealed the presence of four UAB profiles: Compensated, Differentiated, Identified, and Moderate gamers. There was no association between one’s UAB profile and their sexual orientation. No interaction was observed between sexual orientation, UAB profile, and disordered gaming behaviour. However, differentiated gamers (characterised by weaker UAB connection) displayed significantly lower disordered gaming scores cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Findings highlight variations in how heterosexual and non-heterosexual identifying gamers connect with their gaming avatar, cautioning definitive and stereotypical assumptions.