Exploring Provision of Hints in A Puzzle Game and their Influence on Performance and Engagement

Abstract

Puzzle games have long captivated players with their challenges, requiring pattern matching and problem-solving skills. Central to the puzzle game experience, hints can significantly influence player engagement, performance, and emotional responses. This research aims to explore the multifaceted impact of hints on player behavior within the context of 2D puzzle games, with a particular focus on user consent, behavioral characteristics, and game-play dynamics. In particular, this study investigates three distinct hint provision strategies. Firstly, hints are continuously made available where players have the option to access hints whenever they desire, allowing for independent use throughout gameplay. Second, ‘reminder’ hints are offered after a predefined time interval, irrespective of the player’s performance, aiming to assist players when they may be stuck. Lastly, hints are offered based on player performance i.e. only when players have not succeeded in identifying the correct position of any puzzle piece within a specified time frame. The methodology encompasses analysis and experimentation to understand how these hint strategies impact player engagement, immersion, and emotional responses. User consent is pivotal, ensuring hints are provided based on player preferences and gameplay dynamics. Our findings indicate that the timing and frequency of hints significantly influence player engagement, with reminder hints often perceived as annoying by players. Novice players and those with low self-esteem tend to rely more on hints analyses yielded statistically significant results, with F-ratio values of 7.413 and 5.504, and corresponding p-values of 0.009 and 0.025, respectively (both significant at p < .05). These ANOVA results confirm the influence of both confidence levels and experience on hint button usage, underscoring the importance of incorporating psychological factors into the design of interactive gaming experiences, but surprisingly, An approximately 15.83% improvement in performance was observed from the initial measurement of 24 mean score to the final measurement of 27.8 mean score of players. The study underscores the importance of a user-centric approach in game design, emphasizing the need for well-crafted hint strategies that align with player preferences and enhance overall gaming experiences. The research contributes valuable insights to game design, offering recommendations for designing puzzle games that cater to diverse player profiles and promote a rewarding gaming experience. By VIII gaining a deeper understanding of how hints influence player behavior and emotions, game designers can create immersive and engaging puzzle games that captivate players of all skill levels.