Game Sessions Research Articles

Effect of Digital-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Executive Functions in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in executive functions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of digital-based cognitive rehabilitation (DBCR) on executive functions, behavioral regulation, and metacognition in children with ADHD. Methods: A total of thirty male participants, aged 6 - 12 years, who met predetermined inclusion criteria, were selected through a random sampling method. Their parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) to assess executive functions. The children were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group undergoing 10 DBCR sessions, while the control group participated in generic computer game sessions. Parents completed the BRIEF after the intervention and again five weeks later. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Following DBCR, significant improvements were observed in the total score of executive functions and the Metacognition Index (MI) in children with ADHD. The effect sizes for DBCR on the global executive composite (GEC) and MI were 47% and 37%, respectively, while the effect size for the intervention targeting the Behavior Regulation Index (BRI) was approximately 11%. Conclusions: The study suggests that DBCR positively impacts the GEC and MI in children with ADHD, potentially preventing deficits in these areas. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of DBCR on the BRI in children with ADHD.

Collective Action for Sustainable Farmer Water Management: The Case of the KILIMO NA MAJI Serious Game

Background Farmers in water scarce landscapes adapt in response to the erratic weather conditions. Adaptation through irrigation, depend on water access, while impacting on downstream water availability. Competition for scarce water commons among multiple users defines a collective action problem. Farmer land-, and water-use decisions are based on both economic rationality of cost-benefit expectations, and relational rationality of reconciling conflicting opinions of important person(s) in a farmer’s social world, such as other water users, government, or spirits. Serious games that represent this duality of choices can help both players and interested others to analyze how social relations influence farmer decision-making. Intervention Here we describe the generic design and early experiences with specific use of the KILIMO NA MAJI game. The game is designed to analyse effect of social relations as farmers individually and/or collectively explore alternative options for crop production in scarce water commons. Methods We designed and applied the game in the Mt. Kenya region; a semi-arid region, ranging across a gradient of upstream water abundance to downstream water scarcity. The design of the game was informed by literature, and information from local stakeholders. We analyzed data from the pilot game sessions to assess quality and effectiveness of the game using Likert scale and a ‘solution space’ which defines a bandwidth around the mean where tradeoffs between farm-income and water-use can be partially managed. Results Playing the game with local stakeholders showed that social relations that participants had with traders, agro-export companies and other important persons determined where their game outcomes were positioned within the solution space. Conclusion Playing KILIMO NA MAJI can help assess influence of social relations and support collective exploration of alternatives to crops production in water scarce landscapes.

Game On: A Journey into Computational Thinking with Modern Board Games in Portuguese Primary Education

Recent studies highlight the potential of modern board games (MBGs) to foster computational thinking (CT) skills in students. This research explored the impact of integrating MBGs into a primary education classroom through an embedded concurrent mixed-methods approach, with a pre-experimental design in its quantitative aspect and content analysis in its qualitative dimension, with 20 fourth-grade students from a school in Portugal. The students participated in 10 game sessions, each lasting 50 min, and their CT skills were assessed using Bebras tasks in both the pre-test and post-test phases. Statistical analysis, including the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and paired sample t-tests, revealed significant improvements in key CT areas, particularly abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and decomposition. Descriptive statistics were also calculated, and content analysis using Nvivo software was conducted on field notes, corroborating the quantitative data. The results suggest that MBGs can serve as a valuable educational tool for developing CT skills in young learners. This study not only highlights the effectiveness of MBGs but also emphasises the need for further research using more robust experimental designs to enhance CT development in educational settings.

EXPRESS: The Effect of Game Ad Outcome on Subsequent Mobile Gaming Experience: the Mediating Role of Inferred Difficulty

This study investigates the effect of game advertisement outcomes on a player’s subsequent gaming experience. Research on vicarious experience shows that individuals infer game difficulty to be higher when watching game advertisements where players lose (vs. win) the game. Building on the effort–paradox paradigm, the first of this three-part study shows that such higher inferred difficulty enhances enjoyment and engagement during subsequent gaming experiences, especially for advertisements featuring easy game levels. Solely manipulating the difficulty level, Study 2 confirms the underlying mechanism of inferred difficulty for the observed effect of game advertisement outcomes. Study 3a finds that the main positive effect of losing (vs. winning) ads does not hold for advertisements featuring difficult game levels. Study 3b further explores this by focusing only on advertisements with difficult game levels, investigating how variations in players’ self-efficacy might influence their response to losing advertisements depicting difficult game levels. The findings across four studies suggest that, when promoting easy game levels, marketers can use advertisements with losing outcomes to extend gaming sessions, thereby increasing revenue from in-game advertisements. However, for difficult game levels, advertisements with losing outcomes are effective only for those with high self-efficacy.

Performance of game sessions in VR vs standard 2D monitor environment. an EEG study.

Nowadays studies using Virtual Reality (VR) are gaining high popularity due to VR being a better approximation of the ecological environment for visual experiments than standard 2D display settings. VR technology has been already applied in medicine in the therapy of mental disorders, neurorehabilitation, and neurofeedback. However, its effectiveness compared to the standard 2D procedure is still not fully documented and limited information about the neurophysiological underpinnings of VR is provided. In this study, we tested participants' performance during several sessions of the computer game in two different environments, VR vs. 2D monitor display. Participants performed three 25 min gaming sessions of adapted Delay Match-To-Sample task during EEG recording. The results showed that the VR group outperformed the 2D display group in the first session and then maintained its performance level throughout the remaining two sessions while the 2D group increased performance in each session eventually leveling up in the last one. Also group differences in the EEG activity were most profound only in the first session. In this session, the VR group was characterized by stronger and more synchronized neuronal activity, especially in delta, theta, and gamma bands. The VR group was less impacted by visual arousals as indicated by the theta/beta2 ratio in parietal electrodes.

The Negotiation of Truth Claims in Newsgames: The Tension Between “Fact” and “Fiction”

ABSTRACT Newsworkers have utilised the game format to create innovative storytelling through newsgames, a hybrid form of journalism. Newsgames blend journalism's pursuit of truth with the fictional elements of video games, creating a tension between “fact” and “fiction”. Existing literature lacks sufficient exploration of how this tension is managed in the production and consumption of newsgames. This study addresses this gap by examining how newsgame practitioners navigate truth claims and how players engage with these claims. Through semi-structured interviews with practitioners (n = 27) and gaming sessions with players (n = 28), the study reveals that practitioners take deliberate steps to justify newsgames, while players employ various strategies to evaluate their truth claims. These findings underscore the performative dimension of truth negotiation in newsgames, positioning audiences as active participants at the heart of this process.

Effects of video game immersion and task interference on cognitive performance: a study on immediate and delayed recall and recognition accuracy.

This study investigates the cognitive impacts of video game immersion and task interference on immediate and delayed recall as well as recognition tasks. We enrolled 160 subjects aged 18 to 29, who were regular players of "shoot-em-up" video games for at least 3 years. Participants were assigned to one of three experimental groups or a control group. The experimental conditions varied in the timing and type of tasks: the first group performed a video game session between recall tasks, the second group multitasked with video games and recall tasks simultaneously, and the third group engaged in task switching from video games to recall tasks. Using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, we measured the effects of these conditions on cognitive performance, focusing on error types and recall accuracy. Results indicated that multitasking and task switching significantly affected the subjects' performance, with notable decrements in recall and recognition accuracy in conditions of high task interference. The study highlights the cognitive costs associated with multitasking in immersive digital games and provides insights into how task similarity and interference might increase error rates and affect memory performance.

Predicting adherence to gamified cognitive training using early phase game performance data: Towards a just-in-time adherence promotion strategy.

This study aims to develop a machine learning-based approach to predict adherence to gamified cognitive training using a variety of baseline measures (demographic, attitudinal, and cognitive abilities) as well as game performance data. We aimed to: (1) identify the cognitive games with the strongest adherence prediction and their key performance indicators; (2) compare baseline characteristics and game performance indicators for adherence prediction, and (3) test ensemble models that use baseline characteristics and game performance data to predict adherence over ten weeks. Using machine learning algorithms including logistic regression, ridge regression, support vector machines, classification trees, and random forests, we predicted adherence from weeks 3 to 12. Predictors included game performance metrics in the first two weeks and baseline measures. These models' robustness and generalizability were tested through five-fold cross-validation. The findings indicated that game performance measures were superior to baseline characteristics in predicting adherence. Notably, the games "Supply Run," "Ante Up," and "Sentry Duty" emerged as significant adherence predictors. Key performance indicators included the highest level achieved, total game sessions played, and overall gameplay proportion. A notable finding was the negative correlation between initial high achievement levels and sustained adherence, suggesting that maintaining a balanced difficulty level is crucial for long-term engagement. Conversely, a positive correlation between the number of sessions played and adherence highlighted the importance of early active involvement. The insights from this research inform just-in-time strategies to promote adherence to cognitive training programs, catering to the needs and abilities of the aging population. It also underscores the potential of tailored, gamified interventions to foster long-term adherence to cognitive training.

Understanding Online Gaming Habits and Attitudes among Youth: A FGD Study of Gaming Behaviours, Social Interactions, and Psychological Effects

Asia has one of the highest incidences of online gaming, making it a favourite pastime among youth worldwide. However, research shows that excessive gaming can have detrimental effects on one's health, academic performance, and social development, and the economic relevance of the online gaming industry emphasizes the need to understand the attitudes and behaviours of youth towards online gaming. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the attitudes and habits of youth towards online gaming to develop strategies that promote healthy gaming behaviour. The study used a focus group discussion with three groups of youth, totalling 16 participants. The study found that the participants engaged in prolonged online gaming sessions, and individuals had different motivations for playing games, including relaxation, stress relief, escapism, and achievement. The findings demonstrated the varied ways in which gaming can impact socialization and psychological, both positively and negatively. While gaming can provide relaxation and social connection, it can also lead to negative impacts, such as distraction and addiction. Additionally, the data from the participants in this study reveal a range of potential psychological issues associated with online gaming, including anger management, the conflict between parents and children, addiction, risky behaviours, and compulsive behaviour. The findings of this study can help Malaysian politicians, educators, and parents create measures to encourage healthy gaming behaviours and lessen the harmful effects of excessive gaming. Keywords: Online gaming, gaming behaviours, social interactions, psychological effects, online gaming habits.

A picit jeu: Agent-based modelling with serious gaming for a fire-resilient landscape

Wildfire governance requires addressing driving physical, biological and socio-economic processes, by promoting the development of fire-resistant and resilient landscapes. These landscapes can best be achieved by strategies that integrate fuel management for direct prevention with allied socio-economic activities, through the collaboration of stakeholders with different and sometimes conflicting interests. This work aims to address the need for new approaches supporting the participatory process of collective decision-making, helping stakeholders explore land management strategies for landscape fire resilience. We present and discuss a methodology combining agent-based modelling with a role-playing game. It was tested in a valley of the Italian Alps, involving 23 local stakeholders in forest and pasture management in three game sessions. Evaluation was based on observation of game sessions, collection of feedback via immediate post-session debriefing and questionnaires, and long-term (multi-year) assessment carried out through semi-structured interviews. We found the methodology valuable for facilitating discussion among different stakeholders, who were able to identify context-related challenges (land fragmentation and land abandonment, stakeholders' limited collaboration, controversial drives of European funding) and possible strategies for producing a fire-resilient landscape (community management forms of pastoralists activities for maintaining land cover diversity). The approach also triggered a positive process for longer-term change. By analysing the outcomes, we are able to identify four key recommendations for future work using serious gaming for sustainable landscapes: 1) aim for an even composition of session groups, 2) consider the multiple levels of organisation in the area, 3) use the allocation of game roles to disrupt power dynamics, and 4) seek to involve the broadest stakeholder spectrum in developing the game itself.

Comparison between junior and recreational based on internal and external load response in soccer

The characteristics of soccer games tend to be at medium and high intensity. Measurement of heart rate response and activity profile can be used to assess the physical condition performance of players in planning the right program. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences between heart rate response and activity profile in junior and recreational soccer players. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. 24 male soccer players (12 junior Aged 11.58 ± 0.28 Years, 142.25 ± 8.74 cm, 34.5 ± 6.42 kg) and (12 recreational Aged 32.7 ± 1.38 Years, 170.67 ± 3.92 cm, 73.42 ± 5.33 kg) underwent simulation game sessions of 15 minutes each recorded using Polar Verity Sense and Catapult One to capture internal and external load data. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Test to determine the difference between the heart rate of junior and recreational players. The results showed that there was a significant difference between HRavg in junior players (166.1 ± 17.2) and recreation (155.3 ± 10.5) as well as HRmax in junior players (193.1 ± 12.3) and recreation (176.0 ± 10.0) (p < 0.05). In addition, in the variable top speed (6.20 ± 0.68) and also maximal acceleration (4.52 ± 0.39) there is a significant difference (p < 0.05). This study concludes that there is a significant difference in heart rate response, but in the activity profile only the top speed and maximal acceleration variables between soccer players. Keywords: heart rate response, activity profile, junior and recreational soccer players

The Association of Conventional Therapy Associated with Somatosensory Interactive Game Enhances the Effects of Early Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of somatosensory interactive games in combination with pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) on exercise tolerance, balance function, pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and healthcare utilization in individuals with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over 12 months. Design: In a randomized controlled trial, 80 patients were divided into two groups. The control group participated in a lasted 30 minutes daily program composed of postural training for 10 minutes, limb movement for 10 minutes, and breathing exercises for 10 minutes based on regular oxygen therapy and medication. The experimental group received a once-daily, 20-minute somatosensory interactive game session based on the control group. Patients began treatment within 48 hours after admission and lasted for 6 weeks. Results: The time × group interactions on 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) between the two groups were significant (P < 0.001). At the postintervention and each time point of follow-up, the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and Brief-BESTest of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The effects of time factor on forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The 6MWD and Brief-BESTest of the intervention group peaked 3 months after the intervention and were higher than the control group within 12 months. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were similar between the groups before and after intervention (P > 0.05). The readmission rates and mean length of time spent in the hospital were comparable between the groups at 12 months (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of somatosensory interactive games based on a PRP was safe and feasible, and this benefit persisted for 12 months, peaked at 3 months after the intervention, and then gradually decreased.

Light and Motion: Effects of Light Conditions and mEDI on Activity and Motion Area under a Sky-Lighting Machine

ABSTRACT We investigated whether differences in light levels and spectral properties have effects on motion. Twenty-two participants, divided into groups of two, experienced the same room in two diffused light conditions (daylight [DL] or static artificial light [AL]), which were experienced in a repeated measures design layout, controlled for order. Both light conditions offered a stimulus of at least 250 melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (mEDI) lux, without a view. Participants were observed during an individual reading session and a collaborative construction game session. We measured the connectivity of the built structures, activity by actigraphy, and we automatically extracted motion area and quantity of motion from video analysis. We found a correlation between mEDI values in the two light conditions (DL or AL) and activity and a correlation between light condition and motion area. Diffuse daylight conditions were correlated with lower activity and less extended motion than a diffuse static condition at levels recommended for office lighting and to ensure alerting responses. Indeed, static AL was found to be related to increased spatial exploration, which might indicate restlessness, and high mEDI to a more composed motion. Actigraphy measurements correlate with quantity of motion values; therefore, the two methods provided comparable results. Results also showed a high correlation between all photometric values in the daylight condition. These findings offer arguments for favoring DL conditions in the design of places where it is desirable to avoid fidgetiness, like educational institutions, and to support composed motion, like medical institutions.

Game of (delivery) drones: A serious game exploring transport futures involving logistics drones with stakeholders

BackgroundThe use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) in logistics is evolving. However, there have been few opportunities for people to explore and understand the implications. Existing studies focus on acceptance, yet it is unclear what people are being asked to accept. Using a board game approach, this study has sought to develop ways to involve non-experts in a more informed debate about logistics drones in their local area. MethodA qualitative approach was adopted by developing a location-based board game to help a general audience explore the use of delivery drones and capture their views. Participants explore operational parameters, including ground risk (the probability of a drone hitting a person and injuring them if it fails in flight) and energy use while playing the game, and are prompted to respond to questions embedded within the game. Three game sessions with a total of 15 participants were completed. ResultsParticipants were able to explore and test complex scenarios involving different drone routings and levels of ground risk and energy use whilst building shared knowledge and evoking social learning during gameplay. Participants exchanged views in a relaxed environment and began to explore the implications of the possible future use of delivery drones. Questions embedded within the game allowed people to share their concerns about health and safety, regulation, and where they thought drones should fly. Participants were aware of their knowledge limitations, and it was evident that several misconceptions about delivery drones are emerging. ConclusionThe board game has proved useful in involving people and capturing an in-depth understanding of their views. It is an engaging approach to involve stakeholders in the planning process, creating an artefact that can be adapted to other locations and used by other researchers and practitioners.

Research on Virtual Reality App Design in the Perspective of Art Healing

In contemporary society, individuals commonly face emotional problems of stress and anxiety from multiple sources, which usually arise when facing challenges, pressure, or uncertainty. Understanding one's stress and anxiety responses, as well as learning to cope with them effectively, has a crucial impact on maintaining physical and mental health and improving the quality of life. To cope with this phenomenon, this paper, from the perspective of art healing, through an in-depth study of a variety of healing apps and healing tools commonly used in psychological studios, uses virtual reality technology to achieve multi-sensory channel stimulation and designs a game app that combines art healing and virtual reality technology, which, through personalized gaming sessions, enables the user to focus on his or her feelings during the game to improve the therapeutic effect, with the aim of Create a peaceful relaxation space for users, through an in-depth study of a variety of healing apps and psychological studio commonly used healing means, combined with multi-sensory channel stimulation. Explore the possibility of combining art healing and virtual reality technology, and provide theoretical and practical support for the progress and innovation of the art healing field.

Quality of Experience That Matters in Gaming Graphics: How to Blend Image Processing and Virtual Reality

This paper investigates virtual reality (VR) technology which can increase the quality of experience (QoE) on the graphics quality within the gaming environment. The graphics quality affects the VR environment and user experience. To gather relevant data, we conduct a live user experience and compare games with high- and low-quality graphics. The qualitative feedback obtained through questionnaires prove the importance ofcontextualizing users’ experiences playing both games. Furthermore, our findings prove the crucial role of graphics quality in adopting user engagement and enjoyment during gaming sessions. Users consistently reported their feeling more connected when interacting with games and receiving high-quality graphics. If the graphics quality received is low, the user rating for a particular game is low. Further examination of VR technology reveals its potential to revolutionize graphics quality within game play.

Efficacy of Digital Dance on Brain Imagery, Cognition, and Health: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Multidomain interventions have demonstrable benefits for promoting healthy aging, but self-empowerment strategies to sustain long-term gains remain elusive. This study evaluated the effects of digital somatosensory dance game participation on brain imagery changes as primary outcomes and other physical and mental health measures as secondary outcomes related to healthy aging. Between August 31, 2020, and June 27, 2021, this randomized controlled trial recruited 60 eligible participants older than 55 years with no recent engagement in digital dance games. A computer-generated randomization sequence was used to allocate participants 1:1, without stratification, to an intervention group (n=30) who underwent digital somatosensory dance game training or a control group (n=30). An anonymized code masked the intervention allocations from the investigators, and individuals who assigned the interventions were not involved in analyzing the study data. The intervention entailed two 30-minute dance game sessions per week for 6 months, and the control group received healthy aging education. Primary outcomes were brain imagery changes. All variables were measured at baseline and the 6-month follow-up, and intervention effects were estimated using t tests with intention-to-treat analyses. Compared with the control group, intervention participants had significantly different brain imagery in the gray matter volume (GMV) of the left putamen (estimate 0.016, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.024; P<.001), GMV of the left pallidum (estimate 0.02, 95% CI 0.006 to 0.034; P=.004), and fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of the left pallidum (estimate 0.262, 95% CI 0.084 to 0.439; P=.004). Additionally, the intervention group had different imagery in the cerebellum VI GMV (estimate 0.011, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.02; P=.01). The intervention group also had improved total Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (estimate 1.2, 95% CI 0.27 to -2.13; P<.01), quality of life (estimate 7.08, 95% CI 2.35 to 11.82; P=.004), and time spent sitting on weekdays (estimate -1.96, 95% CI -3.33 to -0.60; P=.005). Furthermore, dance performance was significantly associated with cognitive performance (P=.003), health status (P=.14), resilience (P=.007), and demoralization (P<.001). Digital somatosensory dance game participation for 6 months was associated with brain imagery changes in multiple regions involving somatosensory, motor, visual, and attention functions, which were consistent with phenotypic improvements associated with healthy aging. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05411042; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05411042.

An Original Remote Digital Serious Game for Neonatal Resuscitation Training: New Opportunities from COVID-19 Era.

Background: The social restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted traditional teaching methods and encouraged the development of innovative and safer approaches based on distance learning. Among these novel techniques, digital game-based learning (DGBL) is a method that facilitates learning through the efficient use of interactive software tailored to the user. Methods: In this work, we investigated the effectiveness of the DGBL methodology for remote training using a game-based digital learning software designed about remote neonatal resuscitation. The DGBL approach was validated in 52 anesthesiologist trainees and compared to a homogenous retrospective control group of pediatric trainees with the same prior knowledge, who followed an in-person training course using the digital serious game. Scores obtained during each game session are recorded and used to assess progress in knowledge of the flowchart, decision time, timing of assisted ventilation, and ability to check equipment. Results: The results confirmed the effectiveness of the remote training mode for each of the analyzed features, whereas no statistically significant advantages of using a supervised DGBL were found. Conclusion: In conclusion, the DGBL remote training approach is a valuable tool that can provide users with an interactive, effective, and enjoyable learning experience. Future developments will concern the implementation of multiplayer versions to stimulate interaction between users for the development of inter-professional and teamwork skills.

The Student Intersction In Learning English

Through the use of instructional games, this study investigates the function of student engagement in the acquisition of the English language. This study uses a combination of in-depth interviews, thematic analysis, and direct observation along with qualitative research methodologies to investigate the dynamics of student interaction in a game-based learning environment. The findings demonstrated that the usage of games greatly enhanced language proficiency, student engagement, and communication abilities. During the game sessions, there was a 40% rise in the use of new vocabulary and a 60% increase in English verbal contact. Furthermore, 80% of groups demonstrated greater levels of cooperation, and 75% of students actively participated in class. The use of mother tongue has decreased by 30% as well. This study shows that game-based learning has significant potential to enhance students' linguistic competency and collaborative skills in learning English, despite obstacles like uneven participation and other distractions. The significance of choosing games that are suitable, providing scaffolding, managing the classroom well, and incorporating formative assessment strategies are all practical implications for educators.

Understanding the Relationship Between User Game Preferences and Depressive Symptoms: A Pilot Study.

Objective: Following the initial measures taken to manage the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health conditions have become a critical concern. Mental health has become a foremost priority not only for health care providers but also for many other organizations, such as educational institutions, companies, and government agencies. A significant proportion of the Australian population having experienced mental disorders highlights the need for effective interventions. Those with pre-existing mental health issues experienced particularly pronounced effects. Among these challenges, advancements in technology offer new possibilities for mental health support. Videogames have shown effectiveness in mitigating symptoms of depression. Previous research has shown that game interface preferences correlate with players' emotional responses. This study aims to use MoodJumper, a game we designed, developed, and evaluated to examine the choice of game preferences in individuals with depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was carried out after obtaining the Human Ethics committee's approval (n = 20). The participants were asked to fill out a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) questionnaire. They then played with the MoodJumper game for 20-30 minutes. Upon completing the game session, they were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their experience. Results: The results indicate a nonsignificant correlation between music preference, the direction of movement, and depressive symptoms meaning no significant relationship was found between depressive symptoms and chosen settings. However, a significant negative correlation was found between decision-making ability regarding game preferences and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores showing the difficulty of choosing preferred settings when having depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This contribution paves the way for designing and evaluating more impactful game experiences for individuals with mental health challenges.