Challenge types in gaming validation of video game challenge inventory (CHA). Issue 143 (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vahlo, Jukka; Karhulahti, Veli-Matti
• Is Part Of: International journal of human-computer studies. Issue 143(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Challenge -- Survey -- Exploratory factor analysis -- Confirmatory factor analysis -- Scale validation -- Player preferences; Human-machine systems -- Periodicals; Systems engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering; Human-machine systems; Systems engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2020.102473
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1071-5819

Abstract

Highlights: A novel psychometric scale for measuring players' challenge preferences. Four game challenge factors: physical, analytical, socio-emotional, and insight. The model was validated with data from the UK and the USA. Challenge preferences were associated with genre play habits and play motivations. Abstract: Challenge is a key motivation for videogame play. But what kind of challenge types videogames include, and which of them players prefer? This article helps to answer the above questions by developing and validating Videogame Challenge Inventory (CHA), a psychometrically sound measurement for investigating players' challenge preferences in videogames. Based on a review of literature, we developed a 38-item version of CHA that was included in a social media user survey ( N = 813). An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a latent structure of five challenge types: Physical, Analytical, Socioemotional, Insight, and Foresight . CHA was amended in another EFA with USA-based survey data ( N = 536). The second EFA suggested a four-factor structure similar to the first EFA. A confirmatory factor analysis was executed after an item screening process with a 12-item version of CHA via UK-based survey data ( N = 1, 463). The 12-CHA had an acceptable fit to the data, and the model passed construct, convergent, and discriminant validity tests. The usefulness of the validated 12-CHA is shown by connecting the discovered challenges and their preferences to known videogame play motivations and to habits of playing specific videogame genres.