The Influence of Dynamic Game Difficulty Balancing on Player Experience in Puzzle Games

This research investigates the interplay between Dynamic Game Difficulty Balancing (DGDB) and Game User Experience (GUX) within the realm of puzzle gaming. The primary objective was to examine how DGDB influences user experience, with a specific focus on enhancing player engagement, deepening immersion, and facilitating the occurrence of “a-ha” moments. The study employed a controlled experimental approach, where data was collected and subsequently analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. This involved assessing players’ objective in-game performance metrics alongside their subjective feedback gathered via postgame questionnaires. The results indicate that while DGDB can positively affect player engagement and overall satisfaction, the extent of this impact is relatively moderate, as indicated by improvements in game completion rates and the experience of flow states. The study also delved into the effects of DGDB on ‘a-ha’ moments, yielding mixed outcomes. It became evident through this research that the dynamic between DGDB and puzzle game design is intricate, heavily influenced by varying player preferences and perceptions.