The relationship between artificial intelligence techniques inside online games and player’s immersion

 
Abstract:
In recent years, the field of artificial intelligence has seen significant advancements in the video game industry. The integration of AI within video games has enhanced visual experiences, improved game development, and enriched the environment, making it more realistic and immersive for players , also the use of non-player characters (NPCs) has helped analyze player strategies and modify game plans to increase the game's challenge and difficulty levels.
AI techniques have varied, ranging from rule-based systems, which rely on predefined rules for decision-making, to simple decision trees that govern basic game behaviors and character movements, allowing responses to player behavior and improving their visual interaction. It has evolved to include machine learning, particularly deep learning, used to analyze user interfaces (UI) and provide personalized experiences for each player within the same game. Another concept that emerged is game visualization, where AI technologies are used to enhance the visual aspects of the game. This includes techniques for 3D games, such as pathfinding and navigation, to increase player awareness of fine details, thereby enhancing immersion within the game.
The concept of game immersion can be divided into three levels: first, engagement, where players invest time and effort to understand and practice the game; second, engrossment, where players engage emotionally through well-constructed tasks, interesting storylines, and in-game plots; and third, total immersion, where players lose awareness of their surrounding environment and are completely focused on the game.
This study aims to identify the latest AI techniques used in games, measure the relationship between player traits and their gaming experience, and assess the level of immersion achieved by players. It also explores the role of player interaction with AI technologies through Dynamic Difficulty Scaling (DDS) and its relationship to the player’s immersion in the game. The study adopted an exploratory approach using a purposive sample of players of The Last of Us 2, a game that employs AI techniques, and implemented the dynamic difficulty scaling scale through semi-structured interviews to analyze players' experiences and their immersion levels. The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis.
The study reached several conclusions, including that the behavior of virtual enemies within the game adapts to the player’s strategies and tactics. The difficulty levels are adjusted based on the player’s skills, meaning that as the player becomes more skilled at defeating enemies, the fear and violence presented by enemies increase. The study also confirmed that difficult levels impact player experience. The more challenging the levels, the higher the level of immersion, as players become deeply engaged in overcoming challenges and feel a sense of achievement and joy when succeeding. Cognitive engagement was evident through players seeking information about the game and how to overcome challenges by watching YouTube videos or talking to friends. Emotional engagement appeared when players felt happiness and accomplishment after overcoming certain levels, and frustration, failure, and boredom arose from temporary setbacks, leading players to constantly think about how to overcome challenges. Sensory behavioral immersion appeared when players spent extended periods, sometimes up to three months, completing game tasks and objectives, and experienced emotional reactions such as anger, frustration, or even physical signs like broken PlayStation buttons or increased blood pressure and cortisol levels.