Short answer
Instead of a blanket pursuit of 'realism,' designers should identify which specific dimensions of realism (e.g., visual fidelity, physical simulation, narrative plausibility) are most relevant to their game's goals and player experience, and consider when purposeful unrealism might be more effective.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2022)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review with Thematic Synthesis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Understanding and strategically applying different dimensions of realism, or purposeful unrealism, in digital game design can significantly improve player experience. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. Using Systematic literature review with thematic synthesis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Instead of a blanket pursuit of 'realism,' designers should identify which specific dimensions of realism (e.g., visual fidelity, physical simulation, narrative plausibility) are most relevant to their game's goals and player experience, and consider when purposeful unrealism might be more effective.
Strategic Application of Realism Enhances Player Experience in Digital Games
Understanding and strategically applying different dimensions of realism, or purposeful unrealism, in digital game design can significantly improve player experience.
CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · 2022
Key Findings
- 01The concept of realism in digital games is often used without sufficient specificity.
- 02There are contradictory design goals related to realism and unrealism in games.
- 03A structured framework of realism dimensions can provide clarity for design and analysis.
Application
Design takeaway
Instead of a blanket pursuit of 'realism,' designers should identify which specific dimensions of realism (e.g., visual fidelity, physical simulation, narrative plausibility) are most relevant to their game's goals and player experience, and consider when purposeful unrealism might be more effective.
How to apply
When designing a game, consider a checklist of realism dimensions (e.g., visual, auditory, haptic, behavioral, narrative) and decide which ones to prioritize, and to what degree, based on the desired player experience.
Project actions
- 01When discussing realism in your design project, be specific about what type of realism you are aiming for (e.g., photorealistic graphics, realistic physics, believable character interactions).
- 02Consider if intentional deviations from realism could enhance your project's functionality or user appeal.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a much-needed conceptual framework for a complex design aspect.
- +Systematic review methodology ensures a broad coverage of existing research.
Limitations
The framework might not cover all possible nuances of realism across every type of digital interactive media.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the thematic synthesis depends on the rigor of the review process and the consistency of interpretation among researchers. Validity is enhanced by the systematic approach to literature selection and analysis, aiming to capture the breadth of the topic.
Think critically
How might the pursuit of hyper-realism in certain game genres inadvertently detract from player enjoyment or accessibility?
Design Principles
"Design for specific dimensions of realism or stylized representation to optimize player experience."
Designers often aim for realism without a clear understanding of its multifaceted nature. This research provides a framework to dissect realism into distinct dimensions, allowing for more intentional design choices that can either enhance immersion through fidelity or leverage stylized aesthetics for specific player engagement goals.
What This Means for Your Design
When making games, don't just try to make everything look 'real.' Think about what specific parts need to be realistic (like how a car drives) and what parts could be more cartoony or different to make the game more fun.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when justifying your design choices related to visual style, interaction fidelity, or narrative believability in your design project.
- 2.Use the framework to analyze the realism present in existing products or to articulate the specific realism you aim to achieve in your own design.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The systematic literature review by Rogers et al. (2022) highlights that 'realism' in digital games is a multifaceted concept. Their research proposes a framework categorizing dimensions of realism, suggesting that designers should strategically apply specific types of realism or purposeful unrealism to enhance player experience, rather than pursuing a generic notion of realism. This approach allows for more targeted design decisions that can optimize immersion, engagement, and overall user satisfaction.
Source
CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Much Realistic, Such Wow! A Systematic Literature Review of Realism in Digital Games
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about strategic application of realism enhances player experience in digital games?
- Instead of a blanket pursuit of 'realism,' designers should identify which specific dimensions of realism (e.g., visual fidelity, physical simulation, narrative plausibility) are most relevant to their game's goals and player experience, and consider when purposeful unrealism might be more effective. Evidence: CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2022).
- Why does "Strategic Application of Realism Enhances Player Experience in Digital Games" matter for design?
- Designers often aim for realism without a clear understanding of its multifaceted nature. This research provides a framework to dissect realism into distinct dimensions, allowing for more intentional design choices that can either enhance immersion through fidelity or leverage stylized aesthetics for specific player engagement goals.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Instead of a blanket pursuit of 'realism,' designers should identify which specific dimensions of realism (e.g., visual fidelity, physical simulation, narrative plausibility) are most relevant to their game's goals and player experience, and consider when purposeful unrealism might be more effective.
- What were the main findings?
- The concept of realism in digital games is often used without sufficient specificity.. There are contradictory design goals related to realism and unrealism in games.. A structured framework of realism dimensions can provide clarity for design and analysis.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with Thematic Synthesis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a game, consider a checklist of realism dimensions (e.g., visual, auditory, haptic, behavioral, narrative) and decide which ones to prioritize, and to what degree, based on the desired player experience.
- What are the limitations?
- The framework is based on existing literature, and its direct application may require further empirical validation across diverse game genres and player demographics.