Decoding Fear: Exploring User Experiences in Virtual Reality Horror Games
2023 (English)In: Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium of Chinese CHI: Generative, Reflective, Envisioning, Chinese CHI 2023, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) , 2023, p. 411-419Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]
This preliminary study investigated user experiences in VR horror games, highlighting fear-triggering and gender-based differences in perception. By utilizing a scientifically validated and specially designed questionnaire, we successfully collected questionnaire data from 23 subjects for an early empirical study of fear induction in a virtual reality gaming environment. The early findings suggest that visual restrictions and ambient sound-enhanced realism may be more effective in intensifying the fear experience. Participants exhibited a tendency to avoid playing alone or during nighttime, underscoring the significant psychological impact of VR horror games. The study also revealed a distinct gender difference in fear perception, with female participants exhibiting a higher sensitivity to fear stimuli. However, the preference for different types of horror games was not solely dominated by males; it varied depending on factors such as the game's pace, its objectives, and the nature of the fear stimulant.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) , 2023. p. 411-419
Keywords [en]
affective computing, coping strategy, fear, Virtual reality game
National Category
Other Engineering and Technologies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-344566DOI: 10.1145/3629606.3629646ISI: 001182063600038Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85187229552OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-344566DiVA, id: diva2:1845954
Conference
11th International Symposium of Chinese CHI, Chinese CHI 2023, Bali, Indonesia, Nov 13 2023 - Nov 16 2023
Note
Part of ISBN 9798400716454
QC 20240321
2024-03-202024-03-202025-02-18Bibliographically approved