Game Experience Research Articles

EXPRESS: Effects of central vs peripheral attentional-oculomotor exercise on lexical processing.

Past research from our lab has suggested visual demands in video games serve to exercise attentional-oculomotor processing in a manner beneficial to reading. However, testing the effect of video games on reading typically requires long timeframes (e.g., multi-week training or years of accumulated video game experience). The current study manipulated within-experiment peripheral and central demands to evaluate the effects of attentional-oculomotor (A-O) exercise on task performance. Our study included two tasks: an orthographic lexical decision task (OLDT), designed to optimize orthographic lexical processing, and a novel graphic-based health bar decision task (HBDT). In Experiment 1, the stimuli were presented centrally in one block and peripherally in another block to manipulate A-O exercise. We observed greater improvements in the peripheral-first than the central-first group, particularly for the OLDT. In Experiments 2 and 3, we focused on the OLDT, with the HBDT serving as the A-O exercise task and observed improvements in both centrally and peripherally trained participants. We additionally observed, through analyses of word and bigram frequency, a double-dissociation whereby increased target word frequency was associated with faster target reaction times and improved error rates, while increased foil bigram frequency was associated with slower foil reaction times and worse error rates. Taken together, the experiments demonstrate a mechanism beyond simple task learning that drives reading improvements, and A-O exercise, even if movements are small, appears to play a role in the improvements observed. We suggest future research should further develop this paradigm, and examine its utility for reading remediation in dyslexia.

When Melody and Graphics Converge: Background Music Congruency as Predictor of Video Game Enjoyment and Appreciation

ABSTRACT This article investigates how background music congruency (congruent music/incongruent music/no music) affects players’ gaming experiences using the framework of the Congruence-Association Model. Study 1 (N = 105) showed that compared to having no music or incongruent background music, having background music that is perceived to be congruent with the game content during gameplay resulted in higher levels of identification with the game character and transportation into the game, which then translated to greater gaming enjoyment. Study 2 (N = 73) extends the findings of Study 1 using a more interactively demanding video game. Results partially replicated Study 1 as having congruent background music during gameplay resulted in higher levels of transportation, enjoyment, and appreciation. The studies contribute to the lack of literature linking game music and gaming experience. Future studies should consider examining other cognitive and affective factors that impact the effect of music on the gaming experience. Implications for gaming interactivity and the gaming industry are also discussed.

Exploring the Mediating Role of User Engagement in the Relationship Between Immersive Experiences and User Satisfaction in Virtual Reality Gaming

This study aims to investigate the influence of virtual reality (VR) on immersive experiences, user satisfaction, and engagement, focusing on the emotional and cognitive dimensions that enhance the overall gaming experience. Conducted at VR Land Carthage in Tunisia (https://tunis.carthageland. com/fr/vr-land/), a platform offering immersive VR gaming, the research utilized both online and offline surveys, yielding 254 valid responses. Data were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3, facilitating a comprehensive examination of the relationships among immersive experiences, user engagement, and satisfaction in VR gaming. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between immersive VR experiences and user satisfaction, with user engagement acting as a mediator. Immersion significantly enhances the gaming experience; players emotionally connected to the game report higher satisfaction and increased likelihood of return. The study highlights the importance of interactive elements in fostering deep engagement. Limitations include a sample size constrained by time and accessibility, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings beyond the Tunisian context. Practically, the research underscores the need for developers to enhance immersion through interactive features, such as social connectivity and adaptive storytelling, to boost player involvement and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to retention and success in the competitive VR gaming market. This research addresses a gap in empirical studies on user engagement and satisfaction in specific gaming environments, offering valuable insights for developers and researchers in understanding how immersive experiences drive engagement in VR gaming.

The effects of negative life events on college students’ problematic online gaming use: a chain-mediated model of boredom proneness regulation

The study investigated the impact of negative life events on college students’ problematic online gaming use, as well as the mediating role of basic psychological needs and anxiety, and the moderating effect of boredom proneness. A total of 1,102 college students were surveyed by using the Adolescent Negative Life Events Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, GAD-7, DSM-5, and Boredom Proneness Scale. From the sample, 881 participants with experience in online gaming were selected for the study. The results showed that: (1) Controlling for gender and grade, negative life events significantly and positively predicted problematic online gaming use. (2) Basic psychological needs and anxiety played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and problematic online gaming use. (3) Boredom proneness significantly moderated the first half of the model. Basic psychological needs and anxiety mediate the relationship between negative life events and college students’ problematic online gaming use. Moreover, under conditions of low boredom proneness, the independent mediating effect of basic psychological needs and the mediating effect of basic psychological needs and anxiety are enhanced, while the independent mediating effect of anxiety is weakened.

Beyond Monopoly: Enhancing SME Branding Knowledge through Board Game Experiences

In the era of rapid technological advancements and ever-changing consumer behaviors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of keeping up with the complexities of branding in the competitive market landscape. This study delves into the innovative use of board games as an educational tool to enhance SMEs' understanding of branding concepts, mainly targeting entrepreneurs with limited formal education. Drawing on experiential learning and gamification principles, the research investigates the impact of board games designed specifically for SMEs. These games, tailored to address businesses’ unique challenges with limited educational resources, provide entrepreneurs with a dynamic and interactive platform to explore branding strategies, brand identity development, and customer engagement techniques. Through workshops and in-depth case studies, the research assesses the effectiveness of board games in facilitating active learning and knowledge retention among SME owners and managers. Preliminary findings reveal that the immersive and engaging nature simplifies complex branding concepts and fosters a collaborative learning environment, enabling participants to experiment with diverse strategies in a risk-free setting. This research advocates integrating gamified learning strategies into formal and informal SME training programs. The findings underscore the potential of innovative, interactive methods in democratizing access to branding knowledge and nurturing the growth of SMEs in competitive markets. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, board games emerge as a promising instrument for enhancing the branding capabilities of SMEs, thereby promoting their sustainable growth and competitiveness in the market.

The Impact of Global Economic Fluctuation on the Game Accessories Market

With the fluctuations and changes in the global economic environment, the game accessories market, as an independent and dynamic economic sector, faces multiple challenges and opportunities. The gaming industry has become an important support for the development of the national cultural market. Game accessories, including virtual weapons, skins, and decorations, are not only a part of video games but also an important component of players' personalized expression and gaming experience. This paper explores the impact of global economic changes on the game accessories market, focusing on three aspects. First, economic growth or recession directly affects players' disposable income and willingness to spend. Second, currency exchange rate fluctuations significantly impact the international market. Finally, the consumption habits and preferences of modern male consumers show distinct trends. In summary, the global economic situation has a broad and profound impact on the game accessories market, involving multiple aspects such as market demand, currency exchange rates, technological trends, socio-cultural factors, and market competition.

Beat by Beat: Designing a Rhythm Game for Screening Dyslexia

Dyslexia, a language-based disorder, affects children’s reading, writing, and spelling abilities despite adequate classroom instruction. Early screening is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of delayed detection. Dyslexia also impairs precise timing tasks, including rhythm skills essential for reading. This study explores the potential of serious games incorporating rhythms to screen for dyslexia, leveraging the natural synchronization of rhythm skills observed in body movements. Existing rhythm games fail to accurately address dyslexia-related difficulties, lacking relevant performance data and user-centred design. Our research aims to design a 2D sidescrolling platformer game, integrating established rhythmic activities to identify children at risk for dyslexia and engage them in gameplay. A multidisciplinary team collaborates on this initiative, including neuropsychologists, music therapists, and game designers. Using the Design Thinking Methodology, we focus on identifying effective music compositions, game mechanics, dynamics, and visual elements that enhance the gaming experience for children with dyslexia and support early dyslexia screening.

Sports and nationalism: When imagined communities become national

AbstractCan expressing nationalism be conditional? Literature on sports and nationalism suggests that people experience nationhood when they involve themselves as spectators during international sporting events. Therefore, expressing a nationalistic feeling under such circumstances appears logical. However, the question of what kind of nationhood is experienced and how it can be facilitated or impeded by social media affordances needs to be explored. This study attempts to answer these questions by analysing the tweets made during India's matches during the International Cricket Cup 2019. It locates the study of nationalism at the core of where it operates today: in popular social media‐based discourse. This discursive approach towards nationalism (see Fox and Miller‐Idriss (2008)) of imagined sporting communities suggests that mere international competitiveness is insufficient grounds for nationalistic expression to emerge as a dominant discursive theme. Instead, nationalistic expressions are activated when two competing nations share an existing rivalry and it forms part of its popular culture. Nationalism during sports, therefore, is proposed as a conditional phenomenon. Moreover, the idea of the expressed nation and who comes to belong to it remains malleable and fluid to elevate the embodied gaming experience.

Integration of Battle Royale Games With Tabletop Games to Help Decision Making Skills

Effective decision-making skills are essential both in everyday life and in gaming contexts, where choices have major consequences. Board games, known for their strategic nature, provide an ideal platform to hone these skills. This research aims to understand decision-making skills using board games, using Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology to collect data, implement updates, and improve the gaming experience. This project uses Unity to create applications that augment the gameplay. The result of this effort is a distinctive board game that differs from conventional table games, offering its players a new and exciting experience.

Survey Paper on Virtual Reality in Gaming

Abstract: This paper examines the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology within gaming, focusing on the development of immersive virtual environments that enhance user interaction, presence, and satisfaction. With advancements in VR hardware and software, gaming experiences are becoming more lifelike and socially engaging. The VR-based metaverse concept explored in this research aims to provide interconnected virtual worlds with dynamic, persistent interactions. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges of VR in gaming, including technical limitations, high costs, and potential for immersive storytelling. The findings offer insights into the potential impact of VR in gaming and entertainment

Integrating 2D and 3D in Game Development: Design and Technology Collaboration

With the ongoing progress in game development technology, the combination of 2D and 3D techniques has become an emerging and exciting trend. In this context, game design must not only focus on visual effects but also enhance the overall gaming experience. This paper examines how 2D and 3D technologies are used together in game design and how this mix helps improve visuals and gaming experiences. Through case studies, the paper discusses the benefits and challenges of 2.5D technology and the technical difficulties that come with using 2D and 3D technologies on different platforms. The research shows that 2.5D technology solves the problem of needing more space and depth in 2D by adding 3D elements to 2D images. This gives game developers more freedom in their designs and helps them be more creative. The paper provides strategies and tips for game developers to apply these technologies, allowing them to compete better in the fast-growing global game market.

A Balanced Application of Anti-discrimination Law in the Games Industry

This paper explores the successes and failures of "Black Myth: Sun Wukong" and "Concord," two games that highlight the complex implications of enforcing anti-discrimination laws within the gaming industry. It assesses how the drive for diversity and inclusivity, when combined with an overemphasis on political correctness, can gradually estrange users and detract from the overall gaming experience. Furthermore, the paper challenges the potential adverse consequences of anti-discrimination laws on attaining equality, arguing that legal enforcement should strike a balance between creative freedom and social justice to avoid imposing undue restrictions on the industry. Ultimately, the study concludes that, as a prominent medium of cultural expression, the creative space for games must be appropriately protected. Simultaneously, society and the law should strive for more nuanced and balanced approaches to promote the healthy development of the gaming industry and ensure its harmonious integration with societal progress.

Idle Games: A Cozy Genre Turned Exploitative

This paper explores the connection between cozy games and idle games, analyzing shared elements and underlying principles. Cozy games are characterized by an emphasis on comfort, relaxation, and safety, offering players an escape from the pressure of daily life through soothing gameplay experiences. Meanwhile, idle games feature waiting as a core mechanic, allowing progress to be made even in the player’s absence. This provides a continuous sense of growth and progression throughout the player’s day but may also lead to frequent engagements to optimize production. Furthermore, this desire for continuous progress may also be exploited by developers who capitalize on player impatience by incorporating microtransactions that expedite progression in exchange for real-world money. Thus, while idle games can fit within the cozy game genre, their monetization practices raise questions about ethical responsibility on the part of game developers and taint the genre’s potential as a serene gaming experience.

Virtual Reality Audio Game for Entertainment and Sound Localization Training

Within the gaming and electronics industry, there is a continuous evolution of alternative applications. Nevertheless, accessibility to video games remains a persistent hurdle for individuals with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments due to the inherent visual-oriented design of games. Audio games (AGs) are electronic games that rely primarily on auditory cues instead of visual interfaces. This study focuses on the creation of a virtual reality AG for cell phones that integrates natural head and torso movements involved in spatial hearing. Its assessment encompasses user experience, interface usability, and sound localization performance. The study engaged eighteen sighted participants in a pre-post test with a control group. The experimental group underwent 7 training sessions with the AG. Via interviews, facets of the gaming experience were explored, while horizontal plane sound source localization was also tested before and after the training. The results enabled the characterization of sensations related to the use of the game and the interaction with the interfaces. Sound localization tests demonstrated distinct enhancements in performance among trained participants, varying with assessed stimuli. These promising results show advances for future virtual AGs, presenting prospects for auditory training. These innovations hold potential for skill development, entertainment, and the integration of visually impaired individuals.

Teachers’ perceptions of AI tools in enhancing student engagement for English language learning

This work seeks to explore the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in improving engagement with English language learning through the perception of teachers (Luckin et al., 2016). The study identifies four key dimensions associated with the use of AI: a motivational tool, personalised learning, practical limitations, and positioning as a supplementary rather than a replacement teaching resource. Teachers identified that AI can provide an interactive gamified experience and real-time feedback, which motivates the students and enables personalised learning. Yet, disparity in technological access, over-reliance on AI, and the need for serious professional development were also highlighted. The findings suggest that with AI tools greatly enhancing engagement, their integration should be carefully balanced with traditional instructional methods to meet holistic learning (Adolphs et al., 2018). The study has key implications for policymakers and educators on bridgeable digital divides, targeted teacher training, and incentivising sustainable, balanced adoption of AI. This study fills in the gaps in current literature by incorporating teacher insights into how AI can be used to effectively engage diverse learners in English language contexts while addressing pragmatic and pedagogic challenges. These findings will inform future development initiatives of AI-driven educational strategies.

Beyond Pixels: The Journey to Realistic NPCs in Gaming

Beyond Pixels: The Journey to Realistic NPCs in Gaming

The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Sense of Reality in Games

With the rapid development in the field of computer science, game development has emerged as one of its significant branches. Artificial Intelligence (AI), as an emerging discipline, has become increasingly integrated with the field of game development, offering new possibilities for enhancing the sense of realism and player experience in games. This paper delves into the application of AI in enhancing the sense of reality in games. Firstly, the paper analyzes the importance of the sense of reality in games and explores how AI can enhance the player's immersive experience by simulating game character behaviors. Secondly, the paper discusses the application of AI in game physics and environmental simulation. Next, the paper explores the application of AI in enhancing game audio and visual effects. Additionally, AI's application in image generation and enhancement technologies has raised the quality of game graphics to new heights. Lastly, the paper discusses the application of AI in the field of VR and AR, and how it can enhance user perception by optimizing hardware performance and providing more realistic physical experiences. The paper examines the potential of AI in improving the emotional experience of users and provides an outlook on future trends in game development.

Application and Problems of AI in Game Development

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in game development has significantly transformed the dynamics, interactivity, and personalized experiences of games. This paper explores the key applications of AI in game development, including procedural content generation (PCG), non-player character (NPC) behavior and control, as well as automated game testing and quality assurance. PCG enhances replayability and user engagement by automatically generating game content, such as levels and maps, through algorithms. AI-driven NPC behavior makes game characters more adaptive, intelligent, and lifelike, thereby enhancing player immersion. Automated testing utilizes machine learning algorithms to improve testing efficiency and game quality. Despite the numerous advantages that AI brings, there are also challenges related to ethics, technology, creativity, and economics. This paper discusses the potential benefits and challenges of AI in game development and emphasizes the importance of responsible and sustainable application of AI technologies.

The Application of VR Technology in the Field of Gaming

With the rapid advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, its application in the gaming sector has introduced an unprecedented level of immersion for players. This paper aims to explore the integration of VR technology in game design and assess its potential and challenges in enhancing player experiences. The motivation for this research stems from the fundamental differences between VR and traditional games in terms of immersion, interactivity, and multisensory feedback. The paper provides an overview of the basic concepts and principles of VR technology, compares it with traditional gaming technologies, and discusses its role in delivering immersive gaming experiences, enhancing player interaction, and providing multisensory feedback, particularly in multiplayer online gaming contexts. Despite the rapid growth of the VR gaming market, high hardware costs, lack of content, and technical challenges remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The conclusion of this paper underscores the significance and potential for future development of VR technology in the gaming field, while also identifying key areas for improvement necessary for mainstream acceptance.

Exploring the Impact of Player Traits on the Leaderboard Experience in a Digital Maths Game

Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) uses digital games to enhance engagement and learning, but its efficacy is linked to game features. Leaderboards are a commonly used feature to increase motivation through competition, improving engagement and learning outcomes. However, infinite leaderboards, displaying all players in an ordered ranking based on their scores, can demotivate players depending on their performance and characteristics. This study investigated primary school students’ experience with an infinite leaderboard during a digital maths game intervention. 1389 Irish students participated in a 6-week programme with the game ‘Seven Spells,’ which featured an infinite leaderboard. Player traits and opinions about the game and its leaderboard were gathered via questionnaires and surveys. Leaderboard enjoyment was influenced by players’ position on the leaderboard and maths anxiety levels. Maths anxious players disliked the leaderboard more than non-anxious players, even after controlling for their position on the leaderboard. How much players liked to play against each other was also found to be a significant factor predicting the enjoyment of the leaderboard. There was also a small correlation between leaderboard enjoyment and overall game enjoyment. These insights exemplify players’ characteristics that should be considered when incorporating infinite leaderboards into maths games to avoid negative impacts on gaming experiences.