Digital Gaming Perspectives of Older Adults: Content vs. Interaction

There were two objectives to this study: (a) to establish flow and (2) to establish whether computer game interaction or content was important to the older adult, using the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 2 consoles. An earlier study had identified the sports genre as a preference, and three games (golf, tennis, and boxing) were selected that suited play on the game consoles. Participants completed a survey that incorporated the Flow State Scale (FSS). Observations undertaken used, a seven-point scale adapted from the FSS measuring subjects’ ease of use, control of game, enjoyment, concentration, and skill. Participants reported a more positive experience on the Wii console than on the PS2 in relation to the sports genre. Qualitative data collected illustrated participants’ experienced fun, laughter, and smiling and gave more positive aural feedback than the PS2. Two of the three games (golf and tennis) played on the Wii console identified the experience of flow by participants.

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