Understanding Player Engagement Flow Theory in Video Game Design and its Impact on Player Immersion
Yli-Olli, Valtteri (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024122037904
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024122037904
Tiivistelmä
The past few years have witnessed an significant growth in the advancement of the video gaming industry in relation to technology and to the demand of the consumers. These changes have reshaped how games are created, experienced, and perceived.
And at the center of this evolution is the concept of player engagement. This is a concept that includes both how players think and act during their experience with a
game. One of the most crucial ways of understanding player engagement is the application of psychological theories, such as Flow Theory, in video game design.
This goal of this research was to examine the application of Flow Theory in video game design and research how it can enhance player engagement and immersion. Specifically, the research explored the importance of balancing challenge and skill, clear goals, immediate feedback and the impact of audio-visual elements in
sustaining flow states. The influence of game genres and player preferences on flow experiences was also analyzed. By addressing these factors, the study aimed to provide insights for game designers on how to create more engaging and fulfilling gameplay experiences. A multi-method research approach was employed, combining gameplay analysis, industry source and player feedback, developer interviews and case studies of three diverse games: Ghost of Tsushima, Football
Manager 2024 and Harmony in the Wild.
These games provided insights into how flow states are created
and maintained across different genres.
The findings revealed that balance between challenge and skill, active feedback loops, balancing autonomy
and guidance, immersive storytelling and customizable player experiences can significantly improve player
engagement. Audio-visual elements such as background music and ambient sound effects were also found
to support immersion through creating environments that are likely to foster flow states.
By using forementioned principles developers can create games that captivate players and provide more meaningful and engaging experiences. The study also provides practical recommendations for game designers and identifies potential areas for future research.
And at the center of this evolution is the concept of player engagement. This is a concept that includes both how players think and act during their experience with a
game. One of the most crucial ways of understanding player engagement is the application of psychological theories, such as Flow Theory, in video game design.
This goal of this research was to examine the application of Flow Theory in video game design and research how it can enhance player engagement and immersion. Specifically, the research explored the importance of balancing challenge and skill, clear goals, immediate feedback and the impact of audio-visual elements in
sustaining flow states. The influence of game genres and player preferences on flow experiences was also analyzed. By addressing these factors, the study aimed to provide insights for game designers on how to create more engaging and fulfilling gameplay experiences. A multi-method research approach was employed, combining gameplay analysis, industry source and player feedback, developer interviews and case studies of three diverse games: Ghost of Tsushima, Football
Manager 2024 and Harmony in the Wild.
These games provided insights into how flow states are created
and maintained across different genres.
The findings revealed that balance between challenge and skill, active feedback loops, balancing autonomy
and guidance, immersive storytelling and customizable player experiences can significantly improve player
engagement. Audio-visual elements such as background music and ambient sound effects were also found
to support immersion through creating environments that are likely to foster flow states.
By using forementioned principles developers can create games that captivate players and provide more meaningful and engaging experiences. The study also provides practical recommendations for game designers and identifies potential areas for future research.