2D, or not 2D? Failure to Demonstrate a Benefit of Stereoscopic 3D for User Experience and Performance in Digital Games

• In Event: Processes Underlying Communication Technology Use

Abstract

With the mainstream availability of stereoscopic 3D display technology, there is a strong interest in its potential added value in user experience, especially for games featuring three-dimensional virtual environments. We conducted a total of three experiments: The first two studies investigated whether displaying a game in stereoscopic 3D, compared to HD and SD, would enhance basic user experience variables (e.g., enjoyment and presence). A third study was carried out looking into potential benefits of depth cues contained in stereoscopy on performance in a game requiring visuospatial abilities. The analyses of all three studies yielded no substantial impact of display mode on most of the subjective experience variables or objective performance measures. We conclude that stereoscopic 3D does not seem to be an important predictor of game enjoyment, perceived challenge, performance, presence, or character identification, but that there might be potential benefits when employing it to fulfill particular functions in gameplay.

Authors

• Malte Elson, Ruhr University Bochum

• Jan Van Looy, Ghent U

• Lotte Vermeulen, iMinds-MICT-Ghent University

• Frederik Van den Bosch, Ghent U