Player Experience Research Articles

Walking, talking, playing: Children with disabilities’ outdoor play in French mainstream schools

Background Children’s right to play remains underexplored in French mainstream schools. France’s inclusive education policies aim to include children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms, but this transition can create challenges hindering meaningful play opportunities. This highlights the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of children’s experiences of play in school playgrounds. Aim This study explores children with disabilities’ experiences and perspectives on their outdoor play in French mainstream school playgrounds. Material and Methods Walking and Talking tour interviews were conducted with thirteen children with various disabilities across six mainstream schools in western France. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results (1) ‘I can(not) play’: Environmental Barriers and Opportunities; (2) ‘I have an idea’: Children’s Preferences for Enriching Play and Inclusion; (3) ‘Learn to Hear Me Out’: Strengthening Children’s Participation in Everyday School Practices including Playground Redesign. Conclusions and Significance This study highlights the barriers children with disabilities face in French mainstream school playgrounds. It emphasises the need for collaborative co-design to create inclusive and playful environments. Findings have implications for occupational science, inclusive education, school-based occupational therapy, and urban design. Future participatory research should explore the co-design of school playgrounds, involving all relevant stakeholders.

The Experience of MSME Players in Managing Digital-Based Business Finance: Case Study in Kediri, East Java, Indonesia

The present study aimed to: 1) find out the experience of MSME players in adopting digital technology to manage their business finance, 2) find out the challenges that MSME players experience in managing digital finances, 3) find out the benefits that MSME players obtain after implementing digital-based financial management, 4) understand the role of digital technology in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of MSME financial management. This study applied a descriptive qualitative method involving a population of 9553 MSME in Kediri. The samples were taken using a purposive sampling technique which was adjusted to the criteria of the study to obtain a sample of 5 business owners. The results of the study showed that MSME in the food sector, which must be eaten immediately, mostly used the Grabfood, Gofood and Shopeefood platforms. On the other hand, MSME that sell durable goods commonly use e-commerce platforms such as Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and Shopee. Overall, digital technology has provided significant roles and benefits for MSME, including: streamlining the time needed to record and analyze data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial data, helping MSME make more informative and strategic business decisions, allowing MSME to focus on more strategic business aspects.

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 shows 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.

Gynaecological Health Patterns and Motherhood Experiences of Female Professional Football Players

The aim of this paper is to explore the gynaecological health patterns, contraceptive use, body perception, and motherhood experiences of female professional football players. The participants were recruited via email using FIFPRO (Football Players Worldwide). Online questionnaires were completed by consenting participants. The mean age at menarche was 13.5 years with an average cycle length of 26 days, and a bleeding period of 5 days. Cycle irregularities were experienced by 30%, and menstrual symptoms by 74%. Half of the participants used contraceptives, 60% using hormonal contraceptives, primarily oral contraceptive pills (38%), followed by implants (20%). The body satisfaction score was normal but there was a high drive-for-thinness (DT) score. The motherhood rate was low (1%), with participants experiencing normal conception, vaginal delivery, return to training after 6 weeks, and return to competition after 12 weeks. Our findings are consistent with findings in other elite female athletes with cycle irregularities and a significant number of cycle-related symptoms. The majority of those using contraceptives preferred hormonal contraceptives, reflecting trends seen in other elite athletes. While body satisfaction scores were normal, there was a high DT score, similar to that observed in lean and weight-category sports. The motherhood rate was low, consistent with previous findings in professional football players and other elite athletes. This may be due to a lack of financial support during pregnancy and the post-partum period. FIFPRO and its affiliated unions are negotiating better contracts for female football players.

The Impact of the Digital Divide on the Development of Network Markets (Using the Example of the Video Services Market)

Introduction. The problem of the digital divide appeared in the 21st century as a result of the dynamic spread of digital technologies and it very soon became the center of numerous studies and scientific discussions. Today the digital divide is considered to be an urgent socio-economic problem that is widely discussed in the scientific community both in the context of asymmetric access to the social infrastructure (in the context of unequal access to education, healthcare, socially significant information through the use of communication technologies) and in the context of the impact of the digital divide on various significant aspects of a person’s life. The impact of the digital divide is felt in the real and monetary spheres, at the level of individuals and at the level of society, in the markets of goods and services. In this article, we suppose to analyze the impact of the digital divide on the development of network markets (using the example of the video services market).Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study consists of the following research methods: the method of comparative analysis; the method of synthesis; the method of complex analysis of the socio-economic phenomenon; the method of formal logic; the statistical method. Reseach results. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the digital divide affects the development of network markets in several directions: the dynamics of growth through the possibility of access and the content of potential consumers; the speed of the distribution of network externalities through an increase in the number of consumers; the consumption structure and attributes of network goods through product personalization, taking into account the specifics of a particular digital divide.Discussion and conclusions. As a result, the article states the necessity to take into account the factors of the digital divide influence both on a company operating in the video services market and on a country interested in the development of the video services market. Considering these factors will allow them to be used in order to optimize the behavior of players in this market. Among the problems hindering the more dynamic development of the video services market in Russia, in addition to the standard challenges (income level, specifics of the digital divide, price limits), it should be noted the continuing negative experience of illegitimate players’ behavior in the market, representing some sort of an institutional trap.

Games and playful experiences for managing emotions: experience in the university classroom

The purpose of this article had the goal to play for the development of emotional intelligence for to manage from tenderness, the research methodology was qualitative, non-experimental and descriptive, the technique was external and internal participant observation, with records in a field diary. From a game and play workshop, the education of emotions was worked on, one of the findings was the condition of lack of love in which we live today, the fragility of human links leads to experiencing mistrust, insecurity and having little smooth reactions in the interactions, this is the result of the poor management of emotions. Emotional education is not valued within the classrooms because professional training is prioritized. There is a condition of individual fragmentation that cannot recognize the world of emotions and therefore not be empathetic with the emotions of the other. We need a human and integral formation that manages to eradicate the infantilization of the person. One of the contributions of the research work is not only to play for emotional management but the possibility of recognizing oneself as human with dignity.

Implementation of Enhanced Re-Engineering on Trivia Game to Improve Immersion

Trivia games are one type of educational game that is in great demand and can be used as a medium of entertainment as well as a learning medium. In order to make a game in the same segment more unique and immersion, software re-engineering techniques are used in the trivia game. In re-engineering the trivia game, three methods are used: Enhanced Re-Engineering as a software re-engineering method; Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC) in the development of the Hidden Object Trivia game; and MEEGA+ as a testing method for the trivia game and the Hidden Object Trivia game to determine the increase in immersion value of the two games. The results of re-engineering the Tech Geek Quiz game led to the successful integration of trivia and hidden object genres, resulting in the creation of the Guess The Tech Tool game. The test results using MEEGA+ with 30 respondents showed an increase in immersion values of 50.26% from 1.89 to 2.84 in the usability factor and 30.29% from 2.08 to 2.71 in the player experience factor. The results were taken from all dimensions of the questions that had been asked.

The Impact of Consumer Engagement with Gamified Branded Apps on Gameful Experience in Emerging Markets: An Empirical Study

Drawing on social exchange theory, this article examines how consumers’ engagement with gamified branded mobile apps impacts different aspects of their gameful experience, which comprises accomplishment, competition, challenge, immersion, guidance, playful experience, and social experience. We test the proposed conceptual model by drawing on data collected from 319 adult gamified app users from the emerging market of Pakistan, which was analyzed by using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that consumers’ engagement with gamified branded mobile apps in the emerging market context impacts each of the studied gameful experience dimensions, raising important theoretical and practical implications, as discussed in the article’s final section.

Flow of the Game: A Hidden Markov Model of Player Engagement in Online Mobile Games

Practice- and Policy-Oriented Abstract Mobile gaming is a prominent component of the entertainment industry, yet high attrition rates and low engagement are notorious problems faced by most mobile game publishers. This paper investigates the effects of in-game challenge-related factors and reward ads on player engagement in mobile games. Using a Hidden Markov Model, we analyze how perceived challenge, fluctuation of perceived challenge, and reward ads impact players’ engagement states. Our findings indicate that whereas moderate levels of perceived challenge enhance engagement, excessive challenge level has diminishing returns. Furthermore, fluctuations in perceived challenge help sustain engagement by providing a balance between stimulation and cognitive restoration. Third, reward ads provide access to scaffolds, offering temporary support that helps players move to a higher engagement state, especially during challenging phases of the game. For game developers, incorporating dynamic challenge adjustments can improve player experience and keep players engaged. Additionally, reward ads offer a strategic opportunity for game publishers to monetize their games while maintaining engagement, with a stronger impact when players perceive a higher level of challenge. These insights provide valuable practices for designing mobile games that effectively balance user engagement and monetization strategies, ensuring sustained growth in a competitive landscape.

Exploring Narrative Structure and Immersion in the Game OMORI: Unpredictability and Trauma as Guiding Principles

This study analyzes the narrative structure of OMORI, a 2020 psychological horror RPG by Omocat, focusing on its portrayal of trauma through the protagonist Sunny. Incorporating Bal’s (2017) narratology and Wei’s (2011) narrative framework, this study examines techniques that contribute to unpredictability and trauma-driven narrative. Using Bermejo-Berros et al.’s (2022) narrative tension theory and Green and Brock’s (2000) transportation theory, the study reveals how each technique, respectively, incites immersive horror and emotional connection in players. Unpredictability can create immersive horror through narrative tension, whereas trauma-driven narrative may create an emotional connection by making the players sympathize with the character. Through its placement and presentation of sequences, the game evokes cognitive and emotional responses in players. The narrative structure in OMORI highlights the impact of unpredictability and trauma-driven narratives in game storytelling. Analyzing the game’s sequences and mechanics reveals their role in creating profound emotional experiences for players.

Analyzing interaction and player experience of game based learning using feature importance based clustering

This study explores the dynamics of the gaming experience and its impact on learning efficiency through digital game-based learning (DGBL). Leveraging the Fingerstroke Level Model-GOMS (FLM-GOMS) for interaction analysis and the In-Game Experience Questionnaire (iGEQ) for player experience assessment, we examine the relationship between game-play mechanics and educational outcomes. Our research incorporates a comprehensive dataset, focusing on 40 features encompassing motivation and efficiency outcomes. Through clustering, we identify distinct player groups exhibiting signif-icant variations in efficiency outcomes and game experiences. We utilized the feature selection technique to identify the crucial features that differentiate groups of students who excel in implementing DGBL from those who do not. Through the Random Forest feature importance method, we have found that FLM-GOMS features and positive player in-game feedback play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of DGBL.

Threshold Protocol Game on Graphs with Magic Square-Generalization Labelings

Graphical games describe strategic interactions among a specified network of players. The threshold protocol game is a graphical game that models the adoption of a lesser-used product in a population when individuals benefit by using the same product. The threshold protocol game has historically been considered using infinite, simple graphs. In general, however, players might value some relationships more than others or may have different levels of influence in the graph. These traits are described by weights on graph edges or vertices, respectively. Relative comparisons on arbitrarily weighted graphs have been studied for a variety of graphical games. Alternatively, graph labelings are functions that assign values to the edges and vertices of graphs based on a particular set of rules. This work demonstrates that the outcome of the threshold protocol game can be characterized on a magic square-generalization labeled graph. There are a variety of graph labelings that generalize the concept of magic squares. In each, the labels on similar sets of graph elements sum to a constant. The constant sums of magic square-generalization labelings mean that each player experiences a constant level of influence without needing to specify the value of players relative to one another. The game outcome is compared across different types and features of labelings.

Interactive digital narratives for mental resilience: Understanding the player experience of betwixt

Interactive digital narratives for mental resilience: Understanding the player experience of betwixt

E스포츠 플레이어의 참여동기, 게임몰입 및 스트레스 관련 성장의 관계 분석

This study aimed to explore the structural relationship between participation motivation, game immersion, and stress-related growth among eSports players, with the goal of proposing strategies to improve the psychological factors of these players. The research was conducted in February 2024, targeting eSports players, and data were collected using a survey method, resulting in a total of 330 valid responses. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS programs, employing confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The key findings are as follows: First, participation motivation had a significant positive effect on game immersion (p<.001). Second, game immersion had a significant positive effect on stress-related growth (p<.05). Third, participation motivation did not have a significant effect on stress-related growth. These results suggest that immersion plays a crucial role in the gameplay experience of eSports players. This study is significant as it confirms the potential positive psychological impact of eSports and games.

DEPICTION OF CRIME IN VIDEO GAMES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The portrayal of crime in video games has become a focal point of academic and societal debate due to its potential influence on players' perceptions of criminal behavior and morality. This paper critically examines how crime is depicted across different genres of video games, exploring the narrative structures, character development, and interactive mechanics that contribute to these portrayals. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis of popular crime-centered games with a review of player experiences and reactions, we assess the extent to which video games normalize or challenge criminal activity. Additionally, the study considers the implications of crime representation on both individual psychology and broader cultural attitudes towards law, justice, and morality. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted role that video games play in shaping societal views on crime, with particular attention to the influence of immersive storytelling and player agency. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of digital entertainment, psychology, and criminology, and offers insights into the potential impact of video games on social attitudes and behaviors related to crime.

Enhancing Player Experience in a First-Person Shooter with Dynamic Audio Cue Adjustment Based on Gaussian Progress Regression

Enhancing Player Experience in a First-Person Shooter with Dynamic Audio Cue Adjustment Based on Gaussian Progress Regression

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.

Exploring the Application of Game Engine in Creating 2D Fighting Game

With the burgeoning growth of the digital entertainment industry, 2D side-scrolling fighting games, as a classic genre, are confronted with the dual challenges of innovation and technological renewal. To address these challenges, this study aims to delve into the development techniques and methodologies of 2D side-scrolling fighting games, with a particular focus on leveraging game engines to enhance the overall quality and player experience of the games. Utilizing a combination of literature review, case study, and empirical research, this study conducts a thorough assessment of current mainstream fighting game engines. By analyzing successful cases of 2D side-scrolling fighting games both domestically and internationally, this research endeavors to distill an effective development process and key technical points to guide game developers in making more informed decisions during the design and implementation phases. The findings of this study not only contribute to improving the playability and market competitiveness of games but also offer new perspectives and strategies for the sustainable development of the gaming industry.

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.

Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Wage Remuneration in Liberia Women Football

Women’s football has often experienced low wage remuneration compared to men’s, and research has primarily associated this disparity with gender inequality, however, this study explored other equally significant factors that contribute to low wage remuneration in women’s football. The study examined how economic and sociodemographic factors impact wages in women's football in Liberia. It explored and evaluated the influence of sociodemographic factors (family, media, years of experience, level of play) on the wage remuneration of female footballers in Liberia and how economic factors (income, employment) have influenced wage remuneration in women’s football in Liberia. The descriptive study design was employed for this research. Participants were given questionnaires to fill across various sociodemographic, and economic profiles to obtain information on women footballers in Liberia. The inferential statistical tools, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Multiple regression techniques were used in analyzing the data to identify the relationships between sociodemographic and economic variables on wage remuneration. In this sample of 550 participants (100%female, predominant age range – 20-24 years), social factors such as media and family structure (β = -0.084, t = -2.043, P= 0.042), and sociodemographic factors such as years of experience and level of play (β = - 0.168, t = -4.117, P= 0.000) had significant influence on women's football wages in Liberia. However, Economic factors such as income, and employment (β = -0.008, t = -0.183, P= 0.855) did not contribute significantly to wage remuneration in women’s football in Liberia. Sociodemographic factors were significant determinants of wage remuneration in women's football in Liberia. Specifically, sociodemographic variables, such as media, family, years of experience, and level of play, were major determinants of remuneration and wage levels in women's football in Liberia.