Balancing physical and cognitive challenge: A study of players' psychological responses to exergame play

Exercise video games have a recognized potential for use as tools for effective exercise. Current exergames do not consistently strike a successful balance between the ”fun gameplay” and ”effective exercise” aspects of the ideal exergame. Our research into exergame design addresses the question of what balance between an exergame’s physical exertion and gameplay challenge is most successful from a user experience perspective. We have applied existing gameflow research and established exercise guidelines, such as those published by the American College of Sports Medicine, to a collection of four custom exergames: Astrojumper-Intervals, Washboard, Sweet Harvest and Legerdemain implement fullbody motion mechanics that support different types of exercise, and vary in game complexity and level of physical challenge. This paper will present data collected on players’ flow experiences and changes in mood state as a result of play, along with player feedback. We will compare the psychological responses to each of these games and discuss the importance of challenge-type balance as an exergame design consideration.