Video Games Research Articles

Digital motor intervention effects on motor performance of individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.

Individuals (i.e. children/young adults) with developmental disabilities (DDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) often display a variety of physical and motor impairments. It is well known that participation in motor activities can positively impact the development of children's cognitive and social skills. Recently, virtual and digital technologies (e.g. video conferencing applications, virtual reality and video gaming) have been increasingly used to promote better physical/motor outcomes. The efficacy of digital technologies in improving motor outcomes for those with DD/ID varies depending on the technology and population, and the comparative effects of various technologies are unknown. The aim of our study is to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively examine the quantitative and qualitative results of current studies reporting the efficacy of digitally based motor interventions on motor outcomes in individuals with DD/ID. Literature published from 1900 to 2024 was searched in four health sciences databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL. Articles that examined the effects of gross motor/physical activity training using technologies such as exergaming (i.e. exercise through video gaming such as the Wii and Xbox Kinect), virtual reality or telehealth video conferencing applications (i.e. Zoom, Webex or mobile health apps) on the standardised or game-specific gross motor performance of individuals with DD/ID diagnoses that do not typically experience significant walking challenges using experimental or quasi-experimental study designs were included. Thirty relevant articles were retrieved from a search of the databases PubMed (914), PsycINFO (1201), Scopus (1910) and CINAHL (948). Our quantitative synthesis of this published literature suggests strong and consistent evidence of small-to-large improvements in motor skill performance following digital movement interventions. Our review supports the use of digital motor interventions to support motor skill performance in individuals with DD without ID. Digital technologies can provide a more engaging option for therapists to promote motor skill development in individuals with DD or for caregivers to use as an adjunct to skilled therapy.

Family conflict and less parental monitoring were associated with greater screen time in early adolescence.

The current study investigated the prospective relationships between parental monitoring, family conflict, and screen time across six screen time modalities in early adolescents in the USA. We utilised prospective cohort data of children (ages 10-14 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (years baseline to Year 2 of follow-up; 2016-2020; N = 10 757). Adjusted coefficients (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using mixed-effect models with robust standard errors. A higher parental monitoring score was associated with less total screen time (B = -0.37, 95% CI -0.58, -0.16), with the strongest associations being with video games and YouTube videos. Conversely, a higher family conflict score was associated with more total screen time (B = 0.08, 95% CI 0.03, 0.12), with the strongest associations being with YouTube videos, video games, and watching television shows/movies in Years 1 and 2. The current study found that greater parental monitoring was associated with less screen time, while greater family conflict was linked to more screen time. These results may inform strategies to reduce screen time in adolescence, such as improving communication between parents and their children to strengthen family relationships.

Is Video Gaming a Cure for Cybersickness? Gamers Experience Less Cybersickness Than Non-Gamers in a VR Self-Motion Task.

Cybersickness remains a major drawback of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, as a breadth of stationary experiences with visual self-motion can result in visually-induced motion sickness. However, not everybody experiences the same intensity or type of adverse symptoms. Here we propose that prior experience with virtual environments can predict ones degree of cybersickness. Video gaming can enhance visuospatial abilities, which in-turn relate negatively to cybersickness - meaning that consistently engaging in virtual environments can result in protective habituation effects. In a controlled stationary VR experiment, we found that 'VR-naive' video gamers experienced significantly less cybersickness in a virtual tunnel-travel task and outperformed 'VR-naive' non-video gamers on a visual attention task. These findings strongly motivate the use of non-VR games for training VR cybersickness resilience, with future research needed to further understand the mechanism(s) by which gamers become cybersickness resilient - potentially expanding access to VR for even the most susceptible participants.

Esports events & hegemonic masculinity: Reflections on participant-observation at Evolution Championship Series 2019

Using critical theory and self-embodiment, as well as Bourdieu's concept of habitus and the social field, this ethnographic project documents the various ways that hegemonic masculinity manifested at the 2019 Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the largest fighting video game tournament in the world. Participant-observation was utilized to analyze the embodied experience of attending and participating in the tournament. The findings suggest that EVO's hyper-competitive culture reifies hegemonic masculinity and marginalizes femininity. The findings suggest that esports competitions reclaim masculinity through cyber-rituals and sexual objectification of women's real and digital bodies, in lieu of the absence of physical real-world male athletic bodies.

Introduction to Cloud Gaming

Cloud Gaming can be defined as a technology that enables gamers to play video games using cloud-based servers and infrastructure, rather than relying on local hardware for processing and rendering game graphics. In cloud gaming, the games are streamed to the player's device with the help of the internet, allowing them to play high-quality games without needing to own a high-end gaming console or PC. The solution helps people to play games on their computers regardless of their own system as their gaming needs are met with the help of good enough customer service in the cloud. It also helps to overcome the problems of traditional games such as conflict and mobility. In this article, we will take a look at various aspects of Cloud Gaming System (CGS) to explain the many advantages and capabilities this concept has.

PEOPLE'S AGGRESSIVE REACTIONS WHEN THEY BECOME FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF VIDEO GAMES

Video games exist in a wide variety of formats and subcategories, and they can affect people differently. Although many researchers have focused on how players' aggression levels are affected by the video game experience, very few researchers have studied what kind of aggressive reactions are given by gamers. The People-Game- model explains how video game playing affects well-being, drawing attention to key factors such as affected player characteristics, game mechanics, and gaming experience. This study aims to identify the aggressiveness level and aggressive reaction categories, and what people do when they become frustrated because of games. To achieve this goal, qualitative methodology used to gather information. The electronic survey applied in the field research with open ended short questions. Narratives used in aggressive reaction categorization. While devices, weekly playing hours, game categories, competition, and violence levels were asked with closed-ended questions, the type of aggressive reactions was asked with one open-ended short question. 49% of the 136 people who participated in the research declared that they reacted aggressively while playing video games. It was determined that these reactions were most intense in the categories of verbal, followed by physical, third by anger and finally hostility.

Easter eggs: Signaling quality via intrinsic motivation

AbstractEaster eggs are initially hidden elements of a consumer experience that have little direct commercial benefit for the brand. While Easter eggs may have been present in video games and software since the 1970s, they are now found in more and more consumer products such as cars, fashion, and fast food. This work explores the possible motivations for brands to include Easter eggs in their experiences by testing their effects on consumers during the post-purchase experience. It is found that Easter eggs serve as a new type of quality signal and positively affect perceived quality. The positive effect of Easter eggs on perceived product quality appears to be mediated by increased perceived intrinsic motivation of the brand’s employees. One study on Amazon.com reviews data on video games, and three online experiments on fashion, candy, and cars lend support to these hypotheses.

Health promotion interventions for children and adolescents using e-health: a systematic review

Abstract Background The utilization of e-health in healthcare interventions has become increasingly prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the use of e-health in children, as the majority of e-health interventions are focused on adults. This study aimed to identify the components and effects of e-health intervention for the promotion of children’s health and to suggest strategies for their implementation. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature review of relevant studies published between January 2013 and November 2023 was conducted. A search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Review Library was conducted using a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords. A qualitative appraisal of the studies was conducted using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Results Sixteen studies were selected. Most studies showed good methodological quality. The majority of studies (n = 15) focused on improving children’s physical health, while only one study focused on mental health. There were a variety of components to the intervention, including internet education, web-based home-exercise, serious games, mobile apps, email counseling, and active video games, and only one type of intervention was provided, or a combination with additional methods such as phone calls and counseling. A review of the literature indicates that e-health interventions have been effective in increasing children’s physical activity, reducing weight, relieving stress, and reducing depression. Conclusions This study identified the effectiveness of e-health interventions for improving children’s physical and mental health. The use of e-health to promote children’s health should be actively developed and implemented in a variety of clinical and community settings. Key messages • E-health interventions have been demonstrated to be an effective means of improving the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. • It is recommended that health promotion interventions utilizing e-health be developed and tested in a variety of communities and settings for children and adolescents.

Video game play impacts on biological regulation

The current study sought to explain the connection between biological control and video game usage. Specifically, the study examined video game usage at three levels to determine if there were differences in the ability to control biological responses such as heart rate variability to complete different biofeedback activities. A biological feedback software package, ALIVE, was used to measure “heart rate smoothness” and time task completion during a tutorial training, autopilot control video game car race, and manual control video game car race. Participants were instructed to use biological control techniques including breathing and heart rate “smoothness” to complete the biofeedback video games. Results found that there were significant differences in average heart rate smoothness in autopilot and manual car races and the amount of time it took for participants to complete the manual car race between three levels of video game usage. Implications for individuals’ biological control on behaviors such as relaxation and emotions were discussed.

Advancing Methodological Approaches in Affect-Adaptive Video Game Design: Empirical Validation of Emotion-Driven Gameplay Modification

Affect-adaptive video games are increasingly concerned with changing game material based on the emotional states of player to best elicit the optimal experience. However, conceptual uncertainties and unreliable methodologies make this process currently difficult and results inconclusive. Here we present a methodological approach to explicitly test mapping assumptions between in-game variables, player input, and subjective experience to build affect-adaptive video games. In Experiment 1, 161 participants played through a newly developed 2D action arcade game. Their data was used to identify associations between game input, presented material, and affective valence. Results made it possible to identify two potential pathways for emotion adaptation which were implemented and evaluated in Experiment 2 (N = 158) against a non-adaptive version of the same game. The player-based emotional adaptation showed a significant increase in self-reported valence compared to the control condition, providing evidence for the utility of the process.

The Impact of Interactive Video Games Training on the Quality of Life of Children Treated for Leukemia

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the impact of interactive video games (IVGs) as a form of physical activity (PA) on the quality of life. Methods: The study used a quality-of-life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-10) and the HBSC questionnaire. In order to determine individual IVGs training parameters, an initial assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness level was performed, using the Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test—Godfrey’s progressive protocol. Children in the intervention group participated in 12 interval training sessions using IVGs (Microsoft’s Xbox 360 S console with Kinect,). Results: The study included 21 patients (7–13 years old; 12 boys and 9 girls) treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8). Before the IVGs, all children had insufficient PA levels (90% of children in the intervention group and 90.91% of children in the control group did not engage in any PA during the last 7 days). After the intervention, 80% of the children in the IVGs group undertook PA lasting at least 60 min a day, three times a week. They exhibited better well-being, a subjective feeling of improved physical fitness (p < 0.0001), a greater subjective sense of strength and energy (p < 0.0001), and less feeling of sadness (p = 0.0016) than the children from the control group (p = 0.0205). Conclusions: The results of our study confirmed that an attractive form of virtual game or sport is willingly undertaken by children undergoing cancer treatment, and has significant benefits in improving the quality-of-life parameters. There is a clear need to create specific recommendations and rehabilitation models for children with cancer.

The ninth art, tells the story of cultural China and the world: Cultural interaction in cross-cultural video game communication-based on 'Genshin Impact' YouTube comments.

China has attached increasing importance to the overseas dissemination of traditional culture as it continues to strengthen its comprehensive national strength and develop globalization initiatives. The electronic game, as the 'ninth art', with its booming development and inherent cross-cultural communication platform attributes, has taken on the important task of taking culture abroad. This study selects 'Genshin Impact', a game highly praised and well-received globally, which contains an abundance of Chinese cultural elements and cultural elements from various regions of the world, to study cultural interaction in cross-cultural communication of electronic games. This study conducts text sentiment analysis and semantic network analysis on the comments of 'Genshin Impact' videos on the overseas video platform YouTube and studies the cultural interaction in the cross-cultural communication of the 'ninth art', telling the cultural stories of China and the world from a multicultural perspective. The study found that games and derivative videos triggered positive emotional responses from audiences both at home and abroad. While experiencing pleasure and surprise, audiences also arouse deeper emotions such as admiration, identification, and expectation. Meanwhile, in the complex art form of the 'ninth art', audiences can absorb the cultural elements of different cultures, resonate with the elements of their cultural circle, and even trigger further profound thinking. Finally, this study provides constructive suggestions on using the 'ninth art' to better 'tell China's stories and disseminate China's voice'.

Testing the Effect of Sending an Evaluative Message on Perceiving Others in Computer-Mediated Communication

ABSTRACT Interpersonal mediated communication research has demonstrated that exchanging cues during online interactions can change message receivers’ perception of the senders in socially desirable ways. Building from previous self-transformative work, this work explores how perceptions of others are also shaped by the messages we write evaluating others. More specifically, the research examines the effects of sending different types of evaluative messages on attitude, social attraction, physical attraction, and task attraction toward a hypothetical CMC partner. The first experiment (N = 193) prompted participants to view a post of a video game player and then provide a confirmatory or disconfirmatory evaluation or no evaluation. Results indicated that providing positive evaluations caused a positive change in attitude toward the target, while providing negative evaluations negatively affected attitude but did not necessarily affect social, task, or physical attraction. The second experiment (N = 129) conceptually replicated the first experiment’s design in the context of an Instagram post. The results generally replicated those of the first study but additionally produced significant results on social attraction. Providing an evaluation caused significant changes in the receivers’ perception of attitude and social attraction, with the direction of change corresponding with the valence of the evaluations given to the target.

Consumer-Oriented Marketing Strategy of Chinese Domestic Otome Games: A Case Study of Love and Deepspace

Abstract: Otome games, story-based romance video games targeting women, originated in Japan in the late 1990s and have since gained popularity all around the world. This paper investigates the rise of Chinese domestic otome games, focusing on Love and Deepspace, a burgeoning and competitive title. The study analyzes its marketing strategy using the 4P model and examines the game's reflection on consumer behavior. The findings show that Love and Deepspace has innovated marketing approaches within the otome game industry, leveraging 3D modeling as the core of its product and price strategies and employing consumer-centric promotion strategies globally. As a conclusion, the paper states that understanding target consumers preferences is vital for future market planning. The research uses Love and Deepspaces success as an example to highlight the significant business value of domestic otome games and provide insights for companies to refine their strategies in this growing market.

Transforming the Game Account Trading Market: An Ethereum Blockchain-Based Solution

Abstract: The primary risks associated with game account trading include the exposure of personal information and the potential for account retrieval. In a system leveraging blockchain technology, specifically Ethereum combined with the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), personal and game-related information is kept confidential. This system ensures that only the respective users have access to their personal data on the blockchain. Furthermore, upon the completion of a trade, the information associated with the account can be altered once, enhancing security. Additionally, the landscape of video game trading, particularly in China, is evolving rapidly. With the growth and development of the video game industry in the region, it has become increasingly challenging to trade game accounts. This complexity is largely due to the emergence of various policies and regulations that aim to safeguard user data and maintain the integrity of game ecosystems. The blockchain-based system provides a more secure and efficient way of handling these transactions, mitigating risks associated with traditional trading methods. By employing decentralized technologies, this innovative approach ensures greater privacy, security, and compliance with regulatory standards, thus revolutionizing the realm of game account trading.

The relationship between chronotype video game addiction and sleep quality in school-age children: A structural equation modeling approach

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronotype, video game addiction, and sleep quality in school-age children using structural equation modeling. It was performed using structural equation modeling, with 545 secondary school students in northern Turkey meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews utilizing the Personal Information Form, the Morningness Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC), the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children (VASC), and the Sleep Quality Scale. The findings revealed that the average video game addiction score of children was 55.22, which was associated with poor sleep quality and efficiency. Additionally, chronotype was found to mediate the relationship between video game addiction and both sleep quality (β = 0.024; p < 0.001) and sleep efficiency (β = −0.068; p < 0.001). The model was found to be close to acceptable levels for the variables according to the fit indices.

Problematic Use of Video Games in Schooled Adolescents: The Role of Passion

The present study aims to determine the predictive value of sociodemographic, academic, educational clinical psychological variables—ADHD diagnosis, emotional self-regulation, passion and emotional and behavioural symptoms—and modality of use of video games in adolescents who either make potentially problematic or severely problematic use of video games. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 2.533 Galician students (region located in the northwest of Spain) aged between 11 and 20 years participated, who were selected through multistage random sampling. The mean age was 14.78 years (SD = 1.76). The analysis of the data seems to indicate that in the prediction of the problematic use of video games, different variables are combined, among which passion plays a capital role. In addition, the problematic use of video games is related to poor parental control, poor academic performance, use of addictive substances or to an earlier onset, as well as with the diagnosis of ADHD and with greater negative emotional and behavioural symptoms. The results of this study may be of interest for the design and implementation of preventive and corrective actions aimed at reducing the problematic or addictive use of video games.

A Pilot Controlled Trial of Relaxation Training Combined with a Video Game Reinforcing Emotional Regulation to Improve Anger Management in Children and Adolescents.

Untreated anger and aggression in youth confer heightened risk for subsequent psychosocial problems. However, engaging youth in treatment for anger can be difficult given barriers to accessing care and high rates of attrition. This study examined whether learning relaxation skills and practicing them using a videogame, whose operation was contingent upon keeping heart rate close to baseline levels, could help children learn to manage anger and aggression. Youth ages 7-17 with elevated levels of anger (N = 39) were randomized to receive the active video game condition or a control game that displayed heart rate but did not stop the game if heart rate became elevated. Youth underwent baseline screening, 6 treatment sessions, and follow-up assessments at 2-weeks and 3-months. Compared to the control condition, children in the active condition demonstrated significantly greater improvements in clinician-rated aggression severity (d = 1.48) and youth-rated emotion dysregulation (d = 3.46) at 2-weeks post-treatment. The active group maintained these improvements at 3-month follow-up, but no longer significantly differed from the control group. Intervention effects were nonsignificant for parent-reported emotion dysregulation and aggression. In addition, the intervention group youth, but not control group, experienced increased time with heart rate below baseline over the course of the 6 sessions. Findings suggest a promising brief intervention for reducing aggression and emotion dysregulation in children while they are waiting for longer-term outpatient therapy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03270813.

Nice day to go fishing

This article analyzes the representation of repetition in Viva la Dirt League’s online fantasy television series Epic NPC Man. The show is a parodic depiction of a fictional multiplayer fantasy computer game in which a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) exhibit varying degrees of self-awareness. The very concept of the show entails an underlying formal reliance upon strategies of reproduction, with the series providing live-action reenactment of various conventional situations from video games. But repetition also appears within the show as an explicit theme, with the characters defined by and in tension with the repetitive dialogue and routines of the game. This article argues that the significance of repetition in Epic NPC Man is defined by its relationship to the show’s broader investment in thematizing the escapist properties of fantasy. At one level, repetition emerges as a limit point, the moment at which fantasy breaks down. But the show also asserts repetition’s imaginative potential, situating it in opposition to a ludic, instrumental conception of gaming. The resulting image of fantasy gaming constructs the genre as both liberatory and surprisingly fragile, threatened both by the limitations of technology and by the actions of the players themselves.

Empowering Student Transition and Engaging Students Using Actionbound: A Gamified Collaborative Community Learning Platform

Transition to University is a significant milestone for students who are embracing new experiences and challenges. It is particularly vital for international students who have to adapt to a new and different learning environment in the UK. Successful transition and sense of belonging in a new institution lay foundation for students’ academic success. However, transition is a process rather than an event. Accordingly, fostering a collaborative community learning environment and facilitate peer networks and community support becomes critical. It enables social interactions and active learning by engaging students in collaborative group activities, which would in turn support students’ transition to and belonging in a new learning environment. With the advancement of technology, computer-assisted and computer-supported collaborative learning flourished in 21st century. The emergence of mobile digital technology leads to the design of gamification in learning, known as game-based learning or gamified collaborative community learning in order to engage students in fun and interactive activities. ‘Actionbound’ is one of the versatile gamification platforms and mobile apps which can engage students in collaborative community learning with gamified activities. It enables users to create, share and participate in interactive scavenger hunts, tours, games and quizzes. It allows users to design custom challenges, incorporate multimedia content and track players’ progress in real-time. It engages participants to work collaboratively to solve challenges and complete tasks. At UHBS, we have used Actionbound to support the student transition into the University’ learning journey at the start of term. We used scavenger hunt game and quiz functions within Actionbound to direct students to collaborate in teams to solve the challenges and tasks. In this action research, students found Actionbound fun and loved the competitive nature with points and leaderboards. It helped them build network and form friendship. Together, they solved puzzles and tackled challenges which supported their transition and got them prepared for learning in a new environment. Moving forward, as an ongoing action research, we would like to extend the use of Actionbound to term time and in module delivery so to track students’ engagement with the collaborative learning platform and investigate the impact on their academic performance.