Effects of storytelling on user experience and performance in VR : a case study of Steady the drums!

Žnideršič, Klara (avtor), Pregelj, Zala (avtor), Pesek, Matevž (avtor)

Introduction: Storytelling is widely recognized as an effective tool for increasing engagement and motivation in digital games and learning environments. However, its application and impact in virtual reality (VR) is still under-researched due to the relative novelty of VR technology. In this study we explore the integration of storytelling elements into the game Steady the Drums! and examine their impact on user experience, performance and overall game appeal. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted with two groups: one group played a standard version of the game and the other a version enriched with a narrative. As the game aims to improve rhythm perception and skills, its impact on performance improvement in Tapping-PROMS tests was also assessed. Results: Storytelling improved the perceived hedonic qualities of the game and increased user engagement and interest. However, participants playing the storytelling version showed slightly lower focus and performance on rhythmic tasks compared to the non-storytelling group. Despite this, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in rhythmic skills. Discussion: The findings suggest that while storytelling enhances enjoyment and engagement, it may slightly reduce task-focused performance in rhythm-based activities. Nevertheless, the observed improvement in rhythmic skills across both groups emphasizes the educational value of the game.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: virtual reality, storytelling, rhythm training, game, educational technology
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: FRI - Fakulteta za računalništvo in informatiko
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: 14 str.
• Številčenje: Vol. 6, art. 1674655
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176102
• UDK: 004.946:37
• ISSN pri članku: 2673-4192
• DOI: 10.3389/frvir.2025.1674655
• COBISS.SI-ID: 257251331
• Datum objave v RUL: 21.11.2025

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: Frontiers in virtual reality
• Skrajšan naslov: Front. virtual real.
• Založnik: Frontiers Media S. A.
• ISSN: 2673-4192
• COBISS.SI-ID: 56060163

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva 4.0 Mednarodna
• Povezava: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.sl
• Opis: To je standardna licenca Creative Commons, ki daje uporabnikom največ možnosti za nadaljnjo uporabo dela, pri čemer morajo navesti avtorja.

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: navidezna resničnost, pripovedovanje zgodb, trening ritmičnih sposobnosti, igra, tehnologije v izobraževanju

Projekti

• Financer: Drugi - Drug financer ali več financerjev
• Številka projekta: C4350-24-927003
• Naslov: “TeachXR - Use of Extended Reality in Education”