Jogos digitais de terror: análise do impacto de cenários familiares na imersão do jogador

Abstract

This study discusses the impact of familiar 3D environments on player immersion, specifically in digital horror games. As theoretical foundation, it draws on the contributions of Huizinga (2008), regarding general concepts of games; Kirriemuir and McFarlane (2004), on digital games; Rollings and Adams (2003) and Huiberts (2010), concerning the importance of immersion in digital games; Ermi and Mäyrä (2007) and Brown and Cairns (2004), regarding immersion in digital games; and Todorov (1970), Carroll (1990) and Prohászková(2021), on the horror genre; Paterson (2006), Pearce (2007) and Haahr (2018) about game environments and the visual of horror games. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of familiar 3D game environments on player immersion. Thus, the following research question is posed: What is the impact of familiar 3D environments on player immersion? To investigate this, applied research was conducted with a quantitative approach and explanatory character, using a case study as the research method. Data were collected through the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), administered immediately after participants played Escape R.U., a game set in a familiar 3D environment. In this study, a familiar 3D environment is defined as a space physically known to the player—a place of daily interaction and relationships. Data analysis was based on the following GEQ dimensions: a) Narratively stimulating; b) Aesthetically pleasing; c) Conducive to imagination; d) Sense of exploration; e) Emotionally impactful; and f) Memorable. The results indicated that the game provided an immersive experience, as the complexity of the environment was sufficient to generate a narrative in the player's imagination; the game's aesthetics enhanced the user experience; it stimulated imagination; fostered a sense of presence; emotionally and cognitively impacted the player; and added emotional value. Therefore, by featuring familiar 3D environments, the game generated emotional and cognitive engagement, producing a significant impact on immersion