Title: Promoting game flow in the design of a hyper-casual mobile game

Authors: Andrew Dorokhine; Sharon Bratt

Addresses: MacEwan University, P.O. Box 1796, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2P2, Canada ' Computer Science Department, MacEwan University, P.O. Box 1796, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2P2, Canada

Abstract: This capstone research project described the application and evaluation of elements from the GameFlow model (Sweetser and Wyeth, 2005; Sweetser et al., 2017) to make a hyper-casual tile-matching mobile game more responsive, engaging, and challenging while providing the player with a sense of agency and flow. Mobile game design research, as well as game design from a more general perspective frames the design decisions. Contemporary game design research provided a reference to guide the design decisions. The GameFlow model provided assessment criteria. Results showed that many of the elements of game flow are promoted. Several recommendations emerged, both situational and generalisable, which could enhance the redesign and provide guidance for game designers who use game flow as a core driver. Future research is encouraged to address issues of immersion, social interaction and user interface. Contributions include a new evaluation methodology which combines design science research and action research.

Keywords: GameFlow model; mobile game design; engagement; digital design action research; DDAR; software evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPR.2022.121653

International Journal of Student Project Reporting, 2022 Vol.1 No.1, pp.25 - 42

Received: 10 May 2020
Accepted: 13 Oct 2020
Published online: 23 Mar 2022 *