Motivational psychology suggests that informationally designed gamification can increase intrinsi... more Motivational psychology suggests that informationally designed gamification can increase intrinsic motivation. However, there has been little empirical research to test this assumption. In a first experiment we compared whether a gamified and a non-gamified application differed in terms of usability, intrinsic motivation and need satisfaction. No significant differences emerged, yet descriptive data and participants' open-ended answers indicated that there were differences in how informational game elements such as scoreboards were perceived. We conclude with a discussion of implications and opportunities for future research.
Emotional game experiences have garnered increasing attention over the past few years, both from ... more Emotional game experiences have garnered increasing attention over the past few years, both from players and researchers. Previous research has not yet explored whether and what gratifications players derive from frightening game experiences. Interviews with eight players revealed several gratifications, including experiencing non-mundane negative emotions, overcoming emotional challenges and identification with the avatar. Although identification was regarded positively and amplified the emotional intensity of the frightening game experience, sometimes this close connection with the avatar almost became too intense. Based on these findings, we discuss opportunities for future research.
To date the impact of game outcome on prosocial behavior and attitude change has went unexamined.... more To date the impact of game outcome on prosocial behavior and attitude change has went unexamined. Especially in the context of games trying to increase prosocial behavior and attitude change, understanding this connection may hold great potential. Therefore, the goal of this work-in-progress is to lay out the theoretical background to understanding this question, as well as presenting preliminary results from a pilot study, describing their implications, and outlining further research to come.
Emotions are key to the player experience (PX) and interest in the potential of games to provide ... more Emotions are key to the player experience (PX) and interest in the potential of games to provide unique emotional, sometimes uncomfortable experiences is growing. Yet there has been little empirical investigation of what game experiences players consider emotionally moving, their causes and effects, and whether players find these experiences rewarding at all. We analyzed 121 players' accounts of emotionally moving game experiences in terms of the feelings and thoughts they evoked, different PX constructs, as well as game-related and personal factors contributing to these. We found that most players enjoyed and appreciated experiencing negatively valenced emotions, such as sadness. Emotions were evoked by a variety of interactive and non-interactive game aspects, such as in-game loss, character attachment and (lack of) agency, but also personal memories, and were often accompanied by (self-)reflection. Our findings highlight the potential of games to provide emotionally rewarding and thought-provoking experiences, as well as outline opportunities for future research and design of such experiences. They also showcase that negative affect may contribute to enjoyment, thereby extending our notion of positive player experience.
Motivational psychology suggests that informationally designed gamification can increase intrinsi... more Motivational psychology suggests that informationally designed gamification can increase intrinsic motivation. However, there has been little empirical research to test this assumption. In a first experiment we compared whether a gamified and a non-gamified application differed in terms of usability, intrinsic motivation and need satisfaction. No significant differences emerged, yet descriptive data and participants' open-ended answers indicated that there were differences in how informational game elements such as scoreboards were perceived. We conclude with a discussion of implications and opportunities for future research.
Emotional game experiences have garnered increasing attention over the past few years, both from ... more Emotional game experiences have garnered increasing attention over the past few years, both from players and researchers. Previous research has not yet explored whether and what gratifications players derive from frightening game experiences. Interviews with eight players revealed several gratifications, including experiencing non-mundane negative emotions, overcoming emotional challenges and identification with the avatar. Although identification was regarded positively and amplified the emotional intensity of the frightening game experience, sometimes this close connection with the avatar almost became too intense. Based on these findings, we discuss opportunities for future research.
To date the impact of game outcome on prosocial behavior and attitude change has went unexamined.... more To date the impact of game outcome on prosocial behavior and attitude change has went unexamined. Especially in the context of games trying to increase prosocial behavior and attitude change, understanding this connection may hold great potential. Therefore, the goal of this work-in-progress is to lay out the theoretical background to understanding this question, as well as presenting preliminary results from a pilot study, describing their implications, and outlining further research to come.
Emotions are key to the player experience (PX) and interest in the potential of games to provide ... more Emotions are key to the player experience (PX) and interest in the potential of games to provide unique emotional, sometimes uncomfortable experiences is growing. Yet there has been little empirical investigation of what game experiences players consider emotionally moving, their causes and effects, and whether players find these experiences rewarding at all. We analyzed 121 players' accounts of emotionally moving game experiences in terms of the feelings and thoughts they evoked, different PX constructs, as well as game-related and personal factors contributing to these. We found that most players enjoyed and appreciated experiencing negatively valenced emotions, such as sadness. Emotions were evoked by a variety of interactive and non-interactive game aspects, such as in-game loss, character attachment and (lack of) agency, but also personal memories, and were often accompanied by (self-)reflection. Our findings highlight the potential of games to provide emotionally rewarding and thought-provoking experiences, as well as outline opportunities for future research and design of such experiences. They also showcase that negative affect may contribute to enjoyment, thereby extending our notion of positive player experience.
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Papers by Klaus Opwis