Round, Square, or Spiky: Deconstructing the Emotional Design of Video Game Characters

• In Event: 29.091 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.091-4 - Game Design and Game-Based Learning

Abstract

According to Pekrun and Stephens’ (2010) achievement emotions framework, the four activity emotions (enjoyment, relaxation, anger, boredom) can influence learning via variables like motivation or concentration. Twelve video game characters were designed in three different modalities (static image, animation, and animation with sound) to specifically evoke those four emotions. In a between-subjects design, 48 American and 62 German middle schoolers were surveyed about their emotional reactions to the different stimuli. Results show the participants’ emotional evaluations matched the intended emotion, and design features such as color (bright vs. dark) and sound were significantly related to particular emotions.

Authors

• Melissa L. Biles, New York University

• Jessica M. Szczuka, University of Duisberg-Essen

• Nicole C. Krämer, University of Duisberg-Essen

• Jan L. Plass, New York University