FuturLab & Oxford University Join Forces to Explore Video Games' Impact on Player Well-Being

FuturLab, the developer behind PowerWash Simulator, has recently joined forces with the University of Oxford and Tilburg University to create an expansive open online data resource that aims to study the impact of video game engagement on players' overall well-being.

The study involved investigating the impact of FuturLab's PowerWash Simulator on players. For those unfamiliar with the game, PowerWash Simulator allows players to clean various areas, objects, and vehicles. As they progress, players unlock upgrades to improve their cleaning efficiency and grow their power-washing business. The developers claim that the game's simple gameplay aims to create a relaxing and satisfying experience.

To gather data, the research edition of the game incorporated an in-game messaging and response system that tapped into players' psychological experiences and mental states during gameplay. Participants who took part in the research willingly contributed their play data and regularly reported their mood within the game.

According to the researchers, despite widespread concerns, there is a lack of concrete evidence regarding the effects of video games on players' mental health and well-being. This is why the study's aim was to address these concerns by collecting real-time data during gameplay, rather than relying on post-game assessments typically used in video game research, and create a transparent online resource that contains a substantial collection of gaming data.

The study now boasts a comprehensive dataset comprising data from over 11,000 players from 39 countries across the globe, which will be made accessible to everyone through an online resource. Although the full analysis of the study is pending publication and peer review, it is expected to be released in the coming months, offering a deeper understanding of how video game play affects players' well-being.

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