Gameplay preferences : a mechanics driven approach to understanding the processes behind game preference formation

Abstract

Existing studies on video gaming experiences often highlight psychological constructs of gameplay or explore motivations for general videogame play behaviour. However, these studies do not adequately explain the processes that underlie subjective gaming experiences; in particular, the preferred gaming experiences that individual players seek. Past literature also often treats game mechanics as a marginal component that contributes to videogame experience rather than a necessary facilitator. Game mechanics are an integral enabler of gaming experiences, without which players would not be able to interact with. Gamers construct their subjective conceptualizations of what a preferred gameplay experience entails by engaging with various game components and the mechanics that facilitate them. This process is often subconscious or unknown to players and is understudied in present literature. By investigating both the conceptualizations and engagement of preferred gameplay experiences, as well as the types of game mechanics that facilitate them, this study will further our understanding of how and why videogame players play specific games and develop preferences for one over the other. This study also introduces the use of input-data tracking alongside more traditional qualitative methods to more holistically examine the gameplay process. Thematic analysis will be employed to help identify important factors of preferred gameplay experiences, the mechanics that facilitate these experiences; as well as the relationships between these experiences and players’ videogame play preferences.