How Player Failure Determines Player Pathing Adjustments
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Abstract
This thesis investigates player motivations and persistence after player failure, specifically exploring reactions to failure regarding path selection and obstacle avoidance. The study aims to better understand player behavior and determine better design practices accounting for these player tendencies. Twenty to forty gamers complete one test level challenging player tenacity to complete a difficult path, providing an alternative route upon failure that avoids the difficult challenges. The researcher collects quantitative data regarding the number of attempts to complete the arduous path before players take the alternative route. The researcher draws conclusions from qualitative data gathered from a survey aimed to discover the reasons players opted for their chosen strategies. This mixed method approach aims to draw correlations between player decisions and player preferences. This thesis aspires to answer the questions: “After dying along difficult paths, will players choose alternate routes, or will they continue down the difficult paths?” and “Why?”
Current Stage
I have successfully defended my thesis and the link to the document download can be found when it is published.