The Effects of Graphical Fidelity on Player Experience

Abstract

Graphical assets in video games have become increasingly complex over the years, but little is known about their effect on player experience (PX). In this paper, we present results of a controlled study with 48 participants comparing how abstract and stylized graphics influence player experience in casual games. Our results show that high-fidelity graphics result in a more positive impression of the game. However, we also show that many effects are only present in the game with a more challenging mechanic. This shows that casual games can be compelling and enjoyable to play despite simplistic graphics, suggesting that small game developers and researchers need not focus on elaborate visuals to engage players.

Understanding the Effects of Gamification and Juiciness on Players

“…A 2016 study by Juul and Begy [21] with 46 participants did not reveal significant differences between the juicy and non-juicy version of a tile matching game, but also did not employ standardized measures of player experience or motivation. However, related work has demonstrated an effect of graphical fidelity on player experience [13], and there is evidence that visual appeal positively influences task success rate in serious games [38]. Tapping into gamification and juiciness, Berengueres et al [2] show that recycling bins equipped with screens to display emoticons that provide immediate feedback increase recycling rates, and were preferred by users.…”

Improvement of User Performance in Virtual Reality by Boosting Sense of Agency

“…Також з розвитком обчислювальної потужності, для додатків, зокрема, у ВР зростає і розширюється верхня межа графічної точності. Для звичайних додатків, як було розглянуто на прикладі ігор у [8], підвищена графічна точність і фотографічна реалістичність елементів симуляції позитивно впливають на шість з одинадцяти факторів на розгляді, а саме: вища точність призводить до більшого позитивного впливу, вищої спорідненості і підвищеного занурення, незалежно від типу гри. Це свідчить про те, що додавання об'єктів, з якими гравці можуть споріднитись, може покращити досвід, додавши грі змісту, зробивши його більш захоплюючим і створивши більші позитивні відчуття.…”

Games for the Assessment and Treatment of Mental Health

“…As such, researchers have started to question what makes games so compelling to play. Digital game researchers have started to deconstruct how satisfaction of needs during play [36] leads to game enjoyment for different players [2,20,36] and in varying gameplay scenarios [1,18,19]. Others have explored how to leverage these game design elements to motivate people in non-game contexts -a process called gamification [11,30].…”