Game graphics, motivation & engagement in serious games : Game graphics impact on serious games

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to research further into game graphics and its impact on serious games. A realistic and an abstract style were compared as previous research has shown graphic styles to have effect on players' motivation and engagement, which in turn can enhance the learning outcomes in serious games. To conduct the study, two games were chosen with the two different art styles for the participants to play. Once playing the games, two surveys and a follow-up interview were held. The results of the study showed that no statistically significant conclusion could be made to which style had the most impact on motivation and engagement according to the validated User Engagement Scale questionnaire. However, themes were found concerning what was important for the participants when it comes to their motivation to play a game. The artstyle was one of the factors that made a game attractive.