Graphics and gratification: Exploring the link between technology and enjoyment in video games

Sven Joeckel, Nicholas David Bowman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study focuses on the influence of improved video game console technology on enjoyment of games played on a sixth-(PlayStation 2) and seventh-(Xbox 360) generation video game console. In a 2 (game console)× 2 (game type) mixed-factorial experimental design (N=64), technological advancement, namely, improved video game graphical processing (the most-salient technological difference between the consoles), was manipulated by having participants play an identical game from either the action or racing genre on both consoles. Although significant differences in the evaluation of game play graphics and other important game characteristics were found between consoles, no statistically significant main effect of the platform on enjoyment was reported; rather, game enjoyment was most affected by perceived usability for both consoles irrespective of gaming technology. Additionally, willingness to pay was positively influenced by game enjoyment, but not by game technology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)25-43
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Gaming and Virtual Worlds
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 27 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Console generations
  • Controls
  • Enjoyment
  • Experimental design
  • Graphics
  • Video games

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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