Understanding the Creation of Human-Virtual Entity Bonds through the AR Mobile Game Peridot

Abstract

Virtual entities in computing games create bonds with the people who engage with the game. This paper explores these bonds: how they are created, what game features influence them, and how the human-virtual bonds benefit players. This exploration primarily takes place through a diary study of eight people who played the augmented reality mobile game Peridot. Drawn from a pool of self-described game enthusiasts who have knowledge in human-computer interaction methods, the eight people, new to Peridot, played the game for 10 days and wrote daily diary entries about their experiences. Following an in-depth collaboration with the players to reflect on and analyze the diary contents, this paper amalgamates these firsthand gaming experiences with prior research to contribute pragmatic recommendations for improving user engagement and the formation of virtual bonds in gaming environments.