User Experience In Games Research Articles

Comparison of Tutorial Methods in Virtual Reality Games for a Better User Experience

The commercialisation of virtual reality (VR) headsets has made them more affordable and popular in gaming and entertainment. The natural interaction between the VR environment and users can maximise immersion and is crucial to VR gaming. Despite their growing popularity, educational VR games prioritise learning over immersion and require users to learn to interact with and play games using tutorials. Herein, we developed a game named Numverse with an accompanying tutorial. After selecting the tutorial content, we programmed the user interface and proposed a delivery method for the tutorial. We evaluated the user experience based on the effects of the presence or absence of the tutorial and its mode of delivery. The tutorials were of three types: no tutorial, instruction-screen tutorial, and context-sensitive tutorial, with the latter being the most preferred. The evaluation results show that presence, ability to learn controls, intrinsic motivation, and learning effectiveness are higher for the instruction-screen and context-sensitive tutorials than for no tutorial. On average, users experienced more motion sickness in the no-tutorial case, with a significant difference in nausea items. This study asserts the importance of tutorials in VR games, and its findings could improve user experience in future VR games.

The Evolving Landscape of User Experience in AI-Powered Games: A Multigenerational Perspective

The Evolving Landscape of User Experience in AI-Powered Games: A Multigenerational Perspective

CLASSIFICATION OF COGNITIVE STRESS AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL INDICATOR THROUGH MACHINE LEARNING

In this study, we explored the potential of Support Vector Machine (SVM) method for classifying levels of cognitive stress using EEG (Electroencephalogram) signals. The goal is to develop accurate models that would enable the prediction and understanding of not only the current mental state of the subjects, but also potential real-time interventions. In medical fields, the application can be seen in the treatment of attention, focus, hyperactivity, autism, and depression disorders. Additionally, there is an extremely high potential for application in areas such as psychology, sociology, education, economics, neuromarketing, security, and in enhancing workplace stress management, anxiety treatment, digital marketing, economicfinancial forensics, as well as improving user experience in virtual environments and video games. The results have shown that it is possible to differentiate high and low levels of cognitive stress with satisfactory accuracy, opening the way for the application of these findings in various fields. Cognitive stress represents one of the fundamental cognitive processes that causes individuals to behave and think differently in certain situations than in their usual state of consciousness. Predicting, analyzing, and understanding the level of cognitive stress from EEG signals is of great importance in various fields, including neuroscience, psychology, education, professional sports, human-computer interaction, and many other areas. Machine learning represents a subgroup of artificial intelligence that uses statistical models, and functions to ‘learn’ and ‘train’ data resulting in corresponding output values. The brain-computer interface, through which data on cognitive stress, among other parameters and psychological categories, is collected, is based on the functioning of EEG devices. The prediction of cognitive stress represents the application of machine learning, recording and using brain EEG signals or extracted characteristics from EEG signals as input values, in order to predict the level of output values of cognitive stress, of high or low degree, reflecting the mental state of the subjects in real time

Development of Classifiers to Determine Factors Associated With Older Adult's Cognitive Functions and Game User Experience in VR Using Head Kinematics

Development of Classifiers to Determine Factors Associated With Older Adult's Cognitive Functions and Game User Experience in VR Using Head Kinematics

Audience participation fighting game: Exploring social facilitation for an enhanced APG experience

This paper discusses the popularity of live streaming video games and its potential to address psychological challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An audience participation game (APG) that involve massive audiences in gameplay, blurring the lines between viewers and players, is introduced. The game highlights the dynamic adjustment of AI character strengths based on audience inputs, specifically cheering and jeering. The study examines factors that influence user experience (UX) and activeness in APG. System evaluation includes comprehensive AI testing, consisting of 500,000 one-minute game rounds, and a user experiment involving 82 participants. UX assessment is conducted using a pairwise preference, four-alternative forced choice (4-AFC), version of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS). Finally, the paper concludes by offering guidelines and hypotheses for future research in the field of APGs.

A review on User Experience Model in Mobile Educational Games Evaluation

This review explores the models and frameworks used to evaluate user experience in mobile educational games. A number of seven studies were selected based on their MEG evaluation explorations. Based on the literature, three models were found in MEG user experience evaluation: playability heuristics, MEEGA+, and UEQ, where playability heuristics was the most adopted model. The review found that all of the models used have the ability to evaluate the MEG thoroughly. However, based on the definition and requirement of user experience and MEG, the models were found to be lacking in evaluating the educational and mobility part of the MEG and the immersion and flow component, where all of these components are pertinent to the MEG user experience. Therefore, this review suggests that more exploration is needed to provide a more comprehensive model for evaluating user experience for MEG.

Age in Place, Move in VR: Investigating the Feasibility and Usability of a Custom‐made Virtual Reality Exergame to Promote the Well‐being of Community‐Dwelling Older Adults

AbstractBackgroundInteractive virtual reality (VR) games combined with exercise (exergames) are a plausible strategy to encourage physical activity (PA) among older adults. However, there is little systematic evaluation of the feasibility, usability, and potential benefits of deploying at‐home VR exergames among this population.MethodFifteen community‐dwelling older adults (M = 67.33 ± 5.3, age range 60‐77) (Table1) were recruited to play 18 sessions (each 15‐20 min) of a custom‐made VR exergame at home over six weeks. Recruitment, retention, and adherence rates were calculated to determine feasibility. The usability of the exergame was assessed through i) a game user experience questionnaire, ii) a self‐reported physical/emotional discomfort questionnaire, and iii) a perceived enjoyment scale. The exploratory outcome measures included changes in i) PA, ii) exercise self‐efficacy, iii) affect, iv) various cognitive and perceptual tasks and were assessed i) before and after acute data, and ii) before and after the intervention.ResultThirteen participants completed the study (13% attrition rate) without missing any exergaming session (100% adherence rate). The completion rate of cognitive assessments, perceptual tasks, and self‐reported questionnaires was = 97%. Low levels of cybersickness were reported (M = 0.9 ±1.0 out of 10). The average perceived enjoyment and perceived rate of exertion were 3.2. ±1.1 (out of 5) and 2.4±1.9 (out of 10), respectively. Most of the participants (92.3%) found the exergame’s instructions easy to follow and had an overall positive experience (84.6%). Whereas the exergame was perceived as useful for increasing PA levels (61.6%), mood enhancement was reported among less than half of participants (46.2%) and only 38% indicated that they would choose VR exergaming for at‐home PA. The likelihood of playing VR exergames in the future was also low (38.5%). The exploratory outcome measures are presented in Table 2.ConclusionOur study provides insights into the feasibility and usability of a custom‐made VR exergaming intervention to promote PA in community‐dwelling older adults which may potentially benefit their well‐being. Our findings inform the future adoption of VR at home. Our results can also be used to inform large‐scale trials and support the design and deployment of other remote exergames and assessments.

A Shorter Form of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale in Turkish: GUESS-20-TR

A Shorter Form of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale in Turkish: GUESS-20-TR

Bir Oyuncunun Gözünden Kullanıcı Deneyimi Değerlendirmesi: Casual Mobil Oyunlar

Purpose: This study aims to deeply evaluate the user experience of casual mobile games from the player's perspective. It covers a wide range of user experience from the beginning of the game to the use of controls, visual design and communication in the game to monetization.
 Method: The research was carried out with 34 face-to-face interviews. Based on the main and sub-themes determined in the interviews, specific questions were asked to the players. The data collection process was carried out with extensive interviews and explanatory responses of the participants.
 Findings: As a result of the study, it was seen that casual mobile game players shared their experiences in many aspects from the training process to the game flow. It was stated that the training process made a significant contribution to the understanding of the mechanics of the players. It has been observed that controls are generally easy to use, but certain controls can present difficulties. Players emphasized the effect of the visual design and interface on the game atmosphere. Communication and team collaboration have emerged as important factors shaping the experience of players.
 Originality and Contribution: This study makes an original contribution to the field by presenting a versatile assessment of the player experience in the context of casual mobile games. A wide range of themes, from basic game mechanics to user interface, from communication to monetization, enrich the contributions of the study.
 Limitations: The study has some limitations. The fact that the interviews were based on subjective responses indicates that generalizations may be limited. In addition, it should be noted that the participants may have different gaming experiences and the results may vary depending on these experiences.

The Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Gaming Instinctual Motivation Scale.

Being able to quantify gaming motivation in a valid, systematic way has important implications for game designers and gaming user experience researchers. In the present study, we aimed to develop and validate a 30-item Gaming Instinctual Motivation Scale (GIMS) based on Dillon's 6-11 Framework on instinctual gaming motivation and Lazzaro's gaming experience model. To validate the scale, we recruited 194 regular gamers (Mage = 22.70 years old, SD = 4.38) to complete the GIMS based on their general gaming experience and their experience playing role-laying games (RPGs), first-person shooters (FPSs), real-time strategy, puzzle, and action games. We used a cross-validation approach and performed exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to test the structure of the scale and the reliability and validity of the scale, respectively. The final version of the GIMS had a one-dimensional structure with 15 items. It also had good construct validity, χ2 (N = 117, df = 86) = 126.28, p = 0.003, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, and RMSEA = 0.064 (90% CI [0.04, 0.09]), and reliability (CR = 0.89), and an acceptable convergent validity (AVE = 0.35). The one-dimensional structure was generalizable to RPG and FPS games, demonstrating the applicability of the scale to these two gaming genres. Higher scores on the GIMS were also associated with a greater intention to play games.

Game Fun Prediction Based on Frequency Domain Physiological Signals: Observational Study.

Traditionally, the subjective questionnaire collected from game players is regarded as a primary tool to evaluate a video game. However, the subjective evaluation result may vary due to individual differences, and it is not easy to provide real-time feedback to optimize the user experience. This paper aims to develop an objective game fun prediction system. In this system, the wearables with photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors continuously measure the heartbeat signals of game players, and the frequency domain heart rate variability (HRV) parameters can be derived from the inter-beat interval (IBI) sequence. Frequency domain HRV parameters, such as low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), and LF/HF ratio, highly correlate with the human's emotion and mental status. Most existing works on emotion measurement during a game adopt time domain physiological signals such as heart rate and facial electromyography (EMG). Time domain signals can be easily interfered with by noises and environmental effects. The main contributions of this paper include (1) regarding the curve transition and standard deviation of LF/HF ratio as the objective game fun indicators and (2) proposing a linear model using objective indicators for game fun score prediction. The self-built dataset in this study involves ten healthy participants, comprising 36 samples. According to the analytical results, the linear model's mean absolute error (MAE) was 4.16%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 5.07%. While integrating this prediction model with wearable-based HRV measurements, the proposed system can provide a solution to improve the user experience of video games.

가상현실 게임 내 시각 및 촉각적 요소가 게임 사용자의 경험에 미치는 영향

This study measured the effect of visual and tactile elements in Virtual Reality (VR) games on game user experience. We conducted an experiment with 44 participants in a VR shooter game. We manipulated the visual complexity, perspective, and controller weight of the game environment. We found that the rate of first-person perspective usage was higher when the visual complexity of the shooter game was high. We also found that there were significant differences in presence and flow according to visual complexity, with higher presence when the visual complexity was low and higher flow when the visual complexity was high. Weight, a tactile factor, did not have a significant effect on user experience. These findings suggest that in future VR game development, developers should consider the amount of information in the game and use a third-person perspective along with a first-person perspective for effective development.

가상현실 게임 내 시각 및 촉각적 요소가 게임 사용자의 경험에 미치는 영향

This study measured the effect of visual and tactile elements in Virtual Reality (VR) games on game user experience. We conducted an experiment with 44 participants in a VR shooter game. We manipulated the visual complexity, perspective, and controller weight of the game environment. We found that the rate of first-person perspective usage was higher when the visual complexity of the shooter game was high. We also found that there were significant differences in presence and flow according to visual complexity, with higher presence when the visual complexity was low and higher flow when the visual complexity was high. Weight, a tactile factor, did not have a significant effect on user experience. These findings suggest that in future VR game development, developers should consider the amount of information in the game and use a third-person perspective along with a first-person perspective for effective development.

Translation, adaptation and validation of the German version of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS-GA-18) for adolescents

ABSTRACT The short version of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS-18) uses nine factors to assess video game satisfaction. As video games play an important role for children and adolescents, the aim of this study was to translate and adapt the adult English version to an adolescent German version (GUESS-GA-18) and validate the new scale. Translation and adaptation were done in a participatory process with Austrian adolescents in two consecutive focus group sessions. In the validation study with 401 adolescents, fit indices demonstrated good model fit and a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the nine-factor structure of the new scale. Internal consistency is acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = .791). Concurrent validity shows that the GUESS-GA-18 measures whether children like the game. The German GUESS-GA-18 for adolescents is a short and comprehensive tool for iterative development of games and studies testing player experience with German-speaking adolescents.

PedaleoVR: Usability study of a virtual reality application for cycling exercise in patients with lower limb disorders and elderly people.

Achieving adherence to physical exercise training is essential in elders and adults with neurological disorders. Immersive technologies are seeing wide adoption among new neurorehabilitation therapies, as they provide a highly effective motivational and stimulating component. The aim of this study is to verify whether the developed virtual reality system for pedaling exercise is accepted and could be safety, useful and motivating for these populations. A feasibility study was conducted with patients with neuromotor disorders and elderly people from Lescer Clinic and the residential group Albertia, respectively. All the participants performed a pedaling exercise session with virtual reality platform. Then, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, the System Usability Scale (SUS), Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, were assessed in the group of 20 adults (mean age = 61.1; standard deviation = 12.617, 15 males and 5 females) with lower limb disorders. While the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, Presence Questionnaire, Game user Experience Satisfaction Scale and SUS were assessed in the group of 18 elders (mean age = 85.16; standard deviation = 5.93, 5 males and 13 females). In light of the outcomes, PedaleoVR is considered to be a credible, usable and motivational tool towards adults with neuromotor disorders to perform cycling exercise, and therefore its usage could contribute to adherence to lower limb training activities. Moreover, PedaleoVR does not generate negative effects related to cybersickness while the sensation of presence and the degree of satisfaction generated have been positively evaluated by the geriatric population. This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier: NCT05162040, Dec 2021.

Analysis Analysis Analysis of Virtual Reality-Based Warehouse Simulation Applications Using The Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale Method

In the world of simulation, there are many issues related to how to make a simulation interesting and make users want to use it again. One of them is user satisfaction. User satisfaction is the extent to which players feel satisfied when using an application. The warehouse simulation application is an application that is based on three dimensions and can only be run using virtual reality technology. This application aims to simulate how the activities of a picker in the warehouse. This research was conducted to determine the level of user satisfaction when using the warehouse simulation application. The research was conducted using the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) method which has nine subscales, namely usability, narratives, play engrossment, enjoyment, creative freedom, audio aesthetics, personal gratification, social connectivity, and visual aesthetics. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires through online media. Respondents in this study were 30 students of the Batam State Polytechnic International Trade Logistics study program. The analysis method uses a descriptive quantitative method. The results of the analysis show that of the nine subscales of user satisfaction with the Warehouse simulation application, four subscales are below average, namely enjoyment, audio aesthetics, personal gratification, and social connectivity. From these results, what needs to be improved is the addition of audio and UI that gives appreciation to users to increase personal gratification, changing the color concept in each scene so that users do not feel bored with the application.

Can video game subtitling shape player satisfaction?

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on video game translation from the vantage point of player experience. In our study player experience is operationalised with the use of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS-18) which comprises nine experiential sub-scales. Drawing on an experiment with control and treatment groups, this article examines the (in)stability of player satisfaction by involving two groups who played the game Distraint: Deluxe Edition – either with or without typographic spelling errors deployed in the Polish translation of the in-game texts. The participants remotely installed and executed the game program on their local computers, then filled in our online questionnaire on their experience with the title. We find statistically significant differences between the two conditions in terms of Usability/Playability and Personal Gratification. Importantly, typos were also found to impact the composite score of gamer Satisfaction. Given these results, we conclude that user satisfaction is relatively malleable and can be shaped by aspects of translation. At the same time, a caveat is that we have not found evidence to indicate that typos specifically shape most of Satisfaction’s sub-constructs – like Audio and Visual Aesthetics, Play Engrossment, or Enjoyment – when considered separately.

Effectiveness of Gamification in Knee Replacement Rehabilitation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial With a Qualitative Approach.

Exergames can provide encouraging exercise options. Currently, there is limited evidence regarding home-based exergaming in the postoperative phase of total knee replacement (TKR). This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-month postoperative home-based exergame intervention with an 8-month follow-up on physical function and symptoms among older persons undergoing TKR compared with home exercise using a standard protocol. In addition, a concurrent embedded design of a mixed methods study was used by including a qualitative component within a quantitative study of exergame effects. This was a dual-center, nonblinded, two-arm, parallel group randomized controlled trial with an embedded qualitative approach. This study aimed to recruit 100 patients who underwent their first unilateral TKR (aged 60-75 years). Participants were randomized to the exergame or standard home exercise arms. Participants followed a custom-made exergame program independently at their homes daily for 4 months. The primary outcomes at 4 months were function and pain related to the knee using the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire and mobility using the Timed Up and Go test. Other outcomes, in addition to physical function, symptoms, and disability, were game user experience, exercise adherence, physical activity, and satisfaction with the operated knee. Assessments were performed at the preoperative baseline and at 2, 4, and 12 months postoperatively. Exergame adherence was followed from game computers and using a structured diary. Self-reported standard exercise was followed for 4 months of intervention and physical activity was followed for 12 months using a structured diary. Qualitative data on patients' perspectives on rehabilitation and exergames were collected through laddering interviews at 4 and 12 months. This study was funded in 2018. Data collection began in 2019 and was completed in January 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unavoidable situation in the study for recruitment, data collection, and statistical analysis. As of November 2020, a total of 52 participants had been enrolled in the study. Primary results are expected to be published by the end of 2022. Our study provides new knowledge on the effects of postoperative exergame intervention among older patients with TKR. In addition, this study provides a new understanding of gamified postoperative rehabilitation, home exercise adherence, physical function, and physical activity among older adults undergoing TKR. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03717727; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03717727. RR1-10.2196/38434.

LINA - A Social Augmented Reality Game around Mental Health, Supporting Real-world Connection and Sense of Belonging for Early Adolescents

Early adolescence is a time of major social change; a strong sense of belonging (SB) and peer connectedness is an essential protective factor in mental health (MH) during that period. In this paper we introduce LINA, an augmented reality (AR) smartphone-based serious game played in school by an entire class (age 10+) together with their teacher, which aims to facilitate and improve peer interaction, SB and class climate, while creating a safe space to reflect on MH and external stressors related to family circumstance. LINA was developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration involving a playwright, software developers, psychologists and artists, via an iterative co-development process with young people. A prototype has been evaluated quantitatively for usability and qualitatively for efficacy in a study with 91 early adolescents (agemean=11.41). Results from the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS-18) and data from qualitative focus groups showed high acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the game. Using AR, a shared immersive narrative and collaborative gameplay in a shared physical space offers an opportunity to harness adolescent affinity for digital technology towards improving real-world social connection and SB.

Co-Designing the User Experience of Location-Based Games for a Network of Museums: Involving Cultural Heritage Professionals and Local Communities

The design of location-based games (LBGs) for cultural heritage should ensure the active participation and contribution of local communities and heritage professionals to achieve contextual relevance, importance, and content validity. This paper presents an approach and methods of the participatory and co-design of LBGs that promote awareness and learning about the intangible cultural heritage of craftsmanship and artisanal technology throughout a long-term project from sensitization to implementation. Following the design thinking process, we outline the participatory methods (and reflect on results and lessons learnt) of involving cultural heritage professionals, local communities, and visitors (users) of museums and cultural settlements, mainly: field visits, design workshops, field playtesting, and field studies. We discuss issues of participatory design that we experienced throughout the project such as participant centrality and representativeness, producing tangible output from meetings, co-creation of content via playtesting, and implications from the pandemic. This work contributes a case of participatory and co-design of LBGs for cultural heritage that is characterized by longevity and engagement throughout the design process for three LBGs of a museum network in different cultural sites.