Flow and Mobile Gaming: The Effects of In-Game Purchases and Screen Size

• In Event: On the Technical Side of Digital Games

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of in-app game purchases, device screen size, and particular personality traits on the immersive level of engagement and enjoyment during mobile game-play, that is the experience of flow. Two hundred-two participants played a mobile game in a 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design and then completed a questionnaire about their game-play experience and personality traits. The game was played with or without in-game purchases and on a larger screen (i.e., an iPad Air) or a smaller screen (ie., an iPhone 4s). Results show that in-game purchases and a larger screen size have no significant effects on flow. However, particular personality traits did influence flow and interact with the presence of in-game purchases. Furthermore, flow was found to have a positive relationship with the degree of attitudinal loyalty toward the game. The implications of the results are discussed.

Authors

• Matthew Hui, Nanyang Technological University

• Han Zhong Yeo, Nanyang Technological U

• Benjamin H. Detenber, Nanyang Technological U