Effects of game design choices on immersion in video games: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis were conducted to provide a more comprehensive view of the elements of video game design that affect player immersion, and its assessment techniques. Most of the major aspects of game design, such as information input/output techniques, in-game content, and, to a lesser extent, multiplayer aspects, were investigated. The measurement of immersion in video games can be considered optimal, as most of the included articles used standardised scales or subscales dedicated to video game player immersion. The meta-analysis revealed only two significant effects, both related to multiplayer aspects (i.e. playing with a human co-player; playing in the same location as other players). As the meta-analysis revealed limitations related to the number of available quantitative analyses and the heterogeneity between comparisons, these findings should be considered an overview of the current evidence and potential relationships between game design elements and immersion, rather than as definitive estimates of the effects of specific factors. Further investigation of the most studied factors (e.g. display mode) is necessary to accumulate data for more robust and generalisable results on their potential effects. Additionally, multidimensional scales or physiological measures are needed.


Publication: Taylor & Francis online
https://doi.org/10.1080/1463922X.2026.2706451
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