Making Sense of 'Game Feel' through Affective Science

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of 'game feel' in videogames, exploring its connection with affective science. Game feel describes the player's sensory and emotional response to a game's mechanics, aesthetics, and environment, contributing significantly to the overall play experience. By integrating theories of constructed emotion (Barrett 2017) and core affect (Barrett and Bliss-Moreau 2009), this study provides a nuanced understanding of how players perceive and interact with game worlds and systems. It examines the dynamic interplay between the game's designed elements and the player's anticipatory brain functions, which are responsible for shape each game's unique 'feel' at a given moment. The paper further discusses the significance of the 'affective niche,' highlighting the role of internal affective states and external stimuli in creating engaging gaming experiences. This approach offers a holistic perspective of game design, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach that has the potential to resonate with a diverse player base.