Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow
A main reason to play computer games is the pleasure of being immersed in a mediated world. Spatial presence and flow are considered key concepts to explain such immersive experiences. However, little attention has been paid to the connection between the two concepts. Thus, we empirically examined t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2011-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Computer Games Technology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/282345 |
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| _version_ | 1832568355255484416 |
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| author | David Weibel Bartholomäus Wissmath |
| author_facet | David Weibel Bartholomäus Wissmath |
| author_sort | David Weibel |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | A main reason to play computer games is the pleasure of being immersed in a mediated world. Spatial presence and flow are considered key concepts to explain such immersive experiences. However, little attention has been paid to the connection between the two concepts. Thus, we empirically examined the relationship between presence and flow in the context of a computer role-playing game (𝑁=70), a racing game (𝑁=120), and a jump and run game (𝑁=72). In all three studies, factor analysis revealed that presence and flow are distinct constructs, which do hardly share common variance. We conclude that presence refers to the sensation of being there in the mediated world, whereas flow rather refers to the sensation of being involved in the gaming action. Further analyses showed that flow and presence depend on motivation and immersive tendency. In addition, flow and presence enhanced performance as well as enjoyment. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-52377353b72c4bec96bff3cc3a901785 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1687-7047 1687-7055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2011-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Computer Games Technology |
| spelling | doaj-art-52377353b72c4bec96bff3cc3a9017852025-02-03T00:59:17ZengWileyInternational Journal of Computer Games Technology1687-70471687-70552011-01-01201110.1155/2011/282345282345Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and FlowDavid Weibel0Bartholomäus Wissmath1Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, SwitzerlandDepartment of Psychology, University of Bern, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, SwitzerlandA main reason to play computer games is the pleasure of being immersed in a mediated world. Spatial presence and flow are considered key concepts to explain such immersive experiences. However, little attention has been paid to the connection between the two concepts. Thus, we empirically examined the relationship between presence and flow in the context of a computer role-playing game (𝑁=70), a racing game (𝑁=120), and a jump and run game (𝑁=72). In all three studies, factor analysis revealed that presence and flow are distinct constructs, which do hardly share common variance. We conclude that presence refers to the sensation of being there in the mediated world, whereas flow rather refers to the sensation of being involved in the gaming action. Further analyses showed that flow and presence depend on motivation and immersive tendency. In addition, flow and presence enhanced performance as well as enjoyment.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/282345 |
| spellingShingle | David Weibel Bartholomäus Wissmath Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow International Journal of Computer Games Technology |
| title | Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow |
| title_full | Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow |
| title_fullStr | Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow |
| title_full_unstemmed | Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow |
| title_short | Immersion in Computer Games: The Role of Spatial Presence and Flow |
| title_sort | immersion in computer games the role of spatial presence and flow |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/282345 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT davidweibel immersionincomputergamestheroleofspatialpresenceandflow AT bartholomauswissmath immersionincomputergamestheroleofspatialpresenceandflow |