Playing online games against computer- vs. human-controlled opponents: Effects on presence, flow, and enjoyment

  • Authors:

  • David Weibel;Bartholomäus Wissmath;Stephan Habegger;Yves Steiner;Rudolf Groner

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland and Swiss Universitary, Institute of Distance Education, Ueberlandstrasse 12, 3900 Brig, Switzerland;Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland;Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland;Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland;Department of Psychology, University of Berne, Muesmattstrasse 45, 3000 Bern 9, Switzerland and Swiss Universitary, Institute of Distance Education, Ueberlandstrasse 12, 3900 Brig, Switzerland

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether playing online games against other users leads to different experiences in comparison with playing against computer-controlled opponents. Thereby, a one-factorial multivariate design was used (computer-controlled vs. human-controlled opponent). Dependent variables were the participants' feelings of presence and flow. Additionally, the amount of enjoyment was measured. The findings indicate that the type of opponent influences playing experiences: participants who played against a human-controlled opponent reported more experiences of presence, flow, and enjoyment, whereby the strongest effect refers to the experience of presence. Furthermore, strong relations between presence, flow, and enjoyment were observed. Further analyzes suggest that flow mediates the relationship between presence and enjoyment.