The Transfer of In-Game Behaviors and Emotions to Real-World Experiences in Game World.

Abstract

This study investigates the complex interaction between in-game behaviors, post-game emotional expressions, and Game Transfer Phenomena (GTP) among MOBA players. A multidimensional framework is adopted to examine how gaming experiences shape real-world cognition, perception, and behavior through the integration of objective behavioral metrics and affective computing-based emotion recognition. The results indicate that in-game Deaths are negatively associated with altered sensory perceptions-specifically Altered Visual and Auditory Perceptions (AVP and AAP)-suggesting that performance failures may disrupt immersive engagement. In contrast, Assists, as indicators of team-based collaboration, are positively associated with Automatic Mental Processes (AMP), highlighting the cognitive impact of cooperative gameplay. Although no significant mediating effects were observed, emotional dimensions, such as Social Discomfort and Cognitive Focus, offered additional insights into the transfer between in-game and post-game experiences. These findings bridge the gap between virtual and real-world experiences, offering theoretical advancements in GTP research and practical implications for game design, emotional regulation, and psychological interventions.