Artigo Acesso aberto Revisado por pares

Virtual reality technology and game enjoyment: The contributions of natural mapping and need satisfaction

2022; Elsevier BV; Volume: 132; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.chb.2022.107242

ISSN

1873-7692

Autores

Felix Reer, Lars-Ole Wehden, Robin Janzik, Wai Yen Tang, Thorsten Quandt,

Tópico(s)

Behavioral Health and Interventions

Resumo

Based on self-determination theory, the current laboratory experiment investigates how the use of virtual reality (VR) technology shapes the gaming experience. We hypothesize that playing the VR version offers a more naturally mapped playing experience than playing the non-VR version of the same game. Further, we assume that natural mapping is positively related to autonomy and competence need satisfaction, which in turn will predict higher levels of game enjoyment. One hundred thirty-three participants either played the non-VR or the VR version of the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. We found that playing the VR version induced higher levels of game enjoyment than playing the non-VR version. Path analysis affirmed our assumption that VR technology can increase game enjoyment via natural mapping and the resulting satisfaction of competence and autonomy needs. Implications of these findings for games research and game design are discussed.

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