Gameplay experience in a gaze interaction game

TL;DR

This study developed a gaze-controlled game modification and evaluated player experience, finding high immersion and challenge, and demonstrating that gameplay experience can be reliably assessed through their methodology.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel methodology for assessing gameplay experience in gaze interaction games using a custom game modification and experimental evaluation.

Findings

High immersion and challenge ratings from players

Strong correlation between spatial presence and immersion

Gameplay experience assessment methodology is effective

Abstract

Assessing gameplay experience for gaze interaction games is a challenging task. For this study, a gaze interaction Half-Life 2 game modification was created that allowed eye tracking control. The mod was deployed during an experiment at Dreamhack 2007, where participants had to play with gaze navigation and afterwards rate their gameplay experience. The results show low tension and negative affects scores on the gameplay experience questionnaire as well as high positive challenge, immersion and flow ratings. The correlation between spatial presence and immersion for gaze interaction was high and yields further investigation. It is concluded that gameplay experience can be correctly assessed with the methodology presented in this paper.