How we play : A qualitative approach to casual games, players and engagement

Abstract: This study examines engagement regarding casual mobile games. It does so by studying elements of user experience and user interface and how these elements either facilitate or discourage engagement. Self-Determination Theory, flow state and absorption act as the theoretical framework in conjunction with the Game Engagement Questionnaire developed by Brockmyer et al. (2009). The theoretical framework is the base upon which the data collection model was developed as well as how the collected data was analyzed. The results suggest that elements with a negative impact on UI and UX negatively affect player engagement. The data implies that usability, autonomy, skill-level balance are all related to the players ability to enter a flow state, in which the player engagement is high. The results also suggest that fiction is an important factor to the player, as the participants displayed dissatisfaction with the games that contained (to them) unappealing fiction.