Exploring the Benefit and Sacrifice Factors of Virtual Reality Gameplay

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Consumer Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) entertainment is gaining traction, yet widespread adoption of VR devices remains limited.
• Understanding the factors influencing consumer intention to adopt VR for gaming is crucial for market growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a framework identifying benefit and sacrifice factors influencing players' intention to use VR devices for gaming.
• To analyze these factors across both inexperienced and experienced VR players.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire was administered to university students in Taiwan.
• Data from 152 inexperienced and 150 experienced players were collected and analyzed using SmartPLS (structural equation modeling).
• Eleven hypotheses regarding adoption intention were statistically tested.

Main Results:

• Benefit factors including flow, spatial presence, and relaxation consistently and positively influenced VR adoption intention in both player groups.
• Visual fatigue emerged as the most significant negative factor, impacting both flow and overall intention.
• Openness to new technology positively correlated with VR device adoption.

Conclusions:

• Flow, spatial presence, and relaxation are key drivers for VR gaming adoption.
• Mitigating visual fatigue is critical for enhancing user experience and increasing adoption rates.
• Targeting technology-adopting individuals and leveraging positive psychological factors can inform VR marketing and design strategies.