Super Synthesis Pros., or why CHI PLAY needs research synthesis

TL;DR

This paper advocates for the adoption of research synthesis methods in games user research to validate the field, enhance research quality, and promote standardization within the community.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of applying research synthesis in games user research and outlines motivations and strategies for integrating these methods.

Findings

Research synthesis can validate and enrich games user research.

Standardization can improve research quality and community practices.

Adopting synthesis methods supports education and epistemological development.

Abstract

Games user research is a-booming -- or maybe a-goomba-ing -- with a boundless parade of papers popping up from every nook and pipe. We may need a super power -- or super method -- from another world. I outline three motivations for jump-starting research synthesis in games user research. I argue that: research synthesis will validate this field of study and enrich primary research (meta-scholarship); we must level up both primary and secondary research (education); and we should reflect this epistemological stance in community structures and adopt established tools and protocols (standardization). I offer power-ups to get the toads rolling.