The Pleasurable Stress of the VRAVG Beat Saber: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Playfulness is an important component of wellbeing both in theory and a growing empirical body of literature. Past studies of games and wellbeing are valuable but often lack the use of contemporary positive psychological tools or reinforcing theory on playfulness. This study aims to contribute to game studies by integrating a positive psychological toolset and playfulness as a theoretical approach to studying the wellbeing effects of the virtual reality active video game Beat Saber. A non-clinical mixed-methods intervention was conducted where 34 participants came in to play 60 minutes of Beat Saber, reporting their Positive and Negative Affect before and after the study, their playfulness as a personality trait, and perceived exertion. A reinforcing semi-structured interview was conducted on perception of playfulness, stress and experience in the game. In conclusion we find evidence that Beat Saber raised positive affect, lowered negative affect and increased participant sense of playfulness.