Here is the text of an essay I wrote recently on the interplay between immersion and engagement in video games. The intention was to examine how they can be promoted by each other, and by additional factors not found in non-interactive environments. I can’t deny; its a little dry… but I think uncovers some important points, particularly for RPG development.
Immersion and engagement are terms used loosely and often in the video game industry. From studios to reviewers these terms are quoted as features rather than variables to such a degree that they no longer have a qualitative meaning. The fluidity of definition and usage has resulted in a serious shortfall in investigation of how these factors are in fact distinct and how they relate to one another. While both seek the same goal; to draw the player into the game, merging the terms could suggest that in achieving one you will achieve the other, but while each can be used to improve the other, one does not automatically guarantee the other. When properly understood and balanced these two elements of gameplay can create a gaming experience that is exceptional. The goal is to treat each as a separate variable, and design a game where immersion encourages engagement while simultaneously, engagement results in immersion. Balanced correctly the two should complement each other creating a self-fulfilling loop.