Breaking immersion: A theoretical framework of alienated play to facilitate critical reflection on interactive media

Abstract

There is a growing interest in understanding how to best represent complexity using IDNs. We conceptualize this as the aim to make players of such IDNs reflect critically on the complexity being represented. We argue that current understandings of player experience do not lend themselves to this aim. Research on interactive media has assumed immersion to be a universal positive for the player experience. However, in this article we argue that immersion into the Magic Circle of an IDN could be antagonistic to a critical experience. This is because immersion persuades players into suspending their disbelief, rather than facilitating critical reflection. Instead we propose, on the basis of the Epic Theater, an alternative form of play called alienated play. Meaning, a form of play in which the player is playing, while also observing themselves play. This form of play should allow for players to benefit from the enjoyable nature of play, while simultaneously remaining at a critical distance. To illustrate our theory we design two models, one for immersed play and one for alienated play. Furthermore, we present examples of the design for alienation in commercial video games, as well as hypotheses to test out theory in future research. Therefore, this work contributes an initial theoretical and practical informed form of play, specifically designed to facilitate critical reflection on IDNs representing complexity.

Systematic review on the methodological rigor and effectiveness of digital game-based learning in education

“…However, working towards a shared understanding of what makes games work for educational contexts could elevate the field. The recent literature review on how game design makes players critically reflect on the games they play is an example of such a library of game design choices [67]. However, due to only three out of 23 studies assessing motivation, we found the evaluation of digital games as an intrinsically motivated activity primarily lacking.…”

Independent Validation of the Player Experience Inventory: Findings from a Large Set of Video Game Players

“…In addition to these scale versions, Haider et al [25] developed the PXI bench, an online tool for the analysis and comparison of PXI response data, which can be accessed on the PXI's official website. 1 However, no additional investigation into the psychometric quality of the PXI has occurred since the original validation. Thus, there is a need for additional validation of the PXI to see if the initial evidence for the scale's quality can be reproduced.…”

“…This warrants further theoretical and methodological investigation of whether a lack of awareness of one's surroundings is an aspect of immersion or should constitute an alternative construct, such as absorption. Although recent literature has attempted to increase the clarity for the immersion construct [1] and other similar constructs concerning psychological absorption in a task [34], there remains more work to be done in regards to a more consistent definition of what immersion entails.…”