Awe by video games: how do video games elicit awe?

Although overlooked for decades, video games have gained more and more attention as a medium capable not only of entertainment, but also of provoking deep emotions in players. One emotion that seems to be evoked across many different kinds of games is awe. This thesis tries to explore the link between video games and the experience of awe; in particular, the goal is to find which game features are more likely to induce this emotion in players. To do so, a survey is used to collect relevant data; the collected answers are then processed and analyzed by means of decision trees, in order to understand the connection between each feature and awe. Performance scores varied across the different models built from the data, with some of them resulting in a more reliable prediction than others. The former group of models suggest that the features seemed to induce awe are the following: graphics described as disturbing, elaborated plots, epic soundtracks, extraordinary locations (like modern cities or fantasy worlds), and a stimulating amount of challenge. These features can work as directions in the design phase, so that video games professionals can aim at creating awe-inducing products; such choices would lead to beneficial effects in players, like enhanced pro-social behaviours, and might also improve the game's popularity.