Evaluating Exertion Games

Abstract

Games that demand exertion of the players through bodily movements are experiencing increasing commercial success and have been attributed with many physical, mental and social benefits, thus changing the way we play computer games. However, there is a lack of understanding of how to evaluate such exertion games, mainly because the games’ facilitated bodily movements are believed to be responsible for these novel experiences, but are not considered in traditional evaluation methods that primarily assume keyboard- and gamepad-style input devices. We do not believe there is a generic approach to evaluating exertion games, and therefore offer an overview of our mixed experiences in using various methods to guide the reader for future evaluations in this domain. We support the presented methods with data from case studies we undertook in order to illustrate their use and what kinds of results to expect. Methods that we have not had experience with, but which also have the potential to address the contribution of bodily involvement to the user experience, are also outlined. By identifying remaining issues in regards to evaluation methods for exertion games, we aim to provide an informed way forward for research in this area. With our work, we hope to contribute towards the advancement of such games, fostering their many benefits towards a more positive user experience.