Date of Award
Summer 7-1-2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Media Studies
Advisor(s)
Chock, T. Makana
Keywords
challenge, game enjoyment, in-game communication, mobile game, perceived risk of player death, social presence
Subject Categories
Communication | Mass Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Even though the relationship between presence and game enjoyment has been explored, there are unsolved theoretical questions regarding the degree to which social presence may be generated in games. Drawing on (social) presence theory, this study investigated the effects of the perceived risk of player death on game enjoyment. Specifically, the current study examined whether there is a relationship between the perceived risk of player death and communication between players; if this communication will serve as a trigger for a social presence; and if social presence will increase game enjoyment. Results from a self-report survey (N = 128) indicated that the perceived risk of player death has no direct relationship with game enjoyment. However, this result unfolds in a different way when social presence is activated. The results of path analysis showed that the higher the players' perceived risk of death, the more players communicate with teammates. Moreover, communication positively influenced players' social presence, and social presence was positively associated with game enjoyment. The study's theoretical findings were discussed regarding the concept of social presence. The appropriate challenge level and user experience in mobile first-person shooting (FPS) games were discussed as practical implications.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Lee, Heejae, "The Harder the Battle, the More We Talk: The Effects of Perceived Risk of Player Death on Social Presence and Enjoyment in Mobile Fps Game" (2022). Theses - ALL. 633.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/633
