Research on video games is widely scattered through numerous fields, ranging from Psychology, Computer Science and Telecommunications, to Health Education. People having little or no familiarity with games did most of this research. Generally, the focus of these early researchers was on the possible harmful effects of video games on youth.; Video games have matured considerably since their origin as an offshoot of the pinball industry. This study investigated a current issue in the gaming industry, the further integration of story in video games. Participants in this study played a set of similar video games, some based in story, others based in action and report on their experiences. The results should give needed insight into the motivation of players. In addition to verbal descriptions of their responses, participants' skin conductance and heart rate were measured as physiological indicators on physiological arousal and attention, and after game play subjects filled out surveys to assess their self reported responses.; The primary reason for looking at story in games is its importance to game design. Studying player reactions to both story and non-story based games could help determine if the inclusion of story elements is something that players enjoy. Throughout their history, video games have rarely included stories. Many popular tides, even today, have no story elements whatsoever, so this research should help designers determine if including a story improves games, or if efforts to improve games should go into other areas of game design.; A second reason is a commercial one. Last Christmas' best selling title, The Legend of Zelda, as well the video game juggernaut Pokemon , are both founded on strong story. It is not known if the inclusion of story has an impact making a person want to play or purchase a game. Measuring player reaction to both story and non-story based titles may assist in determining what role story has in a game's commercial success.; The third reason is application to software design outside of gaming. Work applications like word processors are beginning to resemble video games, some even having assistive, animated characters, the most notable probably being the “infamous” Microsoft Word “paper clip.” Investigating elements that some players feel add positively to the game play experience may help designers of applications learn how to create more effective characters and agents that will make learning and using software easier and more engaging.
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