Work-in-Progress: Assessing the Feasibility of Playtesting Video Games Using Immersive Technologies as a Learning Method

Abstract

This paper assesses the feasibility of playtesting video games using immersive technologies as a method to support learning games development. It presents a study where university students and professional game developers collaborated in playtesting video games under development as part of the learning outcomes of their course. Data was collected investigating students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of playtesting as a learning method, the immersiveness of the experience, its value to learning, and to their professional awareness. The results of this research indicate that using video games and immersive technologies to support learning has promising potentials when utilised meaningfully and structured accordingly to meet specific learning objectives.