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Sneakily Purposeful Games : A new design strategy for motor-based serious games

Eijkemans, J.W. (2023) Sneakily Purposeful Games : A new design strategy for motor-based serious games.

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Abstract:Although videogames have a reputation as a leisure activity with little to no beneficial outcomes, modern computer games show potential not just for entertaining users, but also in promoting activities that are typically met with reluctance, such as learning or exercise. This effect is largely attributed to a game’s ability to motivate their players and keep them engaged. However, although these games are typically considered effective at achieving their serious goals, the enjoyment of such games leaves much to be desired, which is a problem, since fun and enjoyment are key characteristics of a good game and are directly tied to (intrinsic) motivation – the very thing credited for making serious games effective in the first place. This report presents a new design strategy for the development of motor-based serious games for physical rehabilitation, the primary goal of which is to address this issue of low enjoyment, whilst remaining capable of serving the serious purpose. A case study game was developed as a means to evaluate this newly proposed design strategy, which showed that prioritizing enjoyment over seriousness does offer a better gaming experience, and that, even when prioritizing the serious aspect over the enjoyment, there are certain tricks that developers can use to still create a better gaming experience. Although further research is needed to learn more about the proposed design strategy and its effects, the case study yielded promising results which indicate that motor-based serious games for physical rehabilitation could offer a better gaming experience without major concessions to their serious aspect.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject:50 technical science in general, 54 computer science, 76 recreation, leisure
Programme:Interaction Technology MSc (60030)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94670
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