Psychological Effects of Task Difficulty and Human-Agent Relationship on Users

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological effects of task difficulty and the ability relationship between the user and the agent in a game environment. In the experiment, participants engaged in a target-shooting game in virtual reality (VR), cooperating with an agent to knock down all targets. Two levels of task difficulty―standard and high―were implemented. The ability relationship between the user and the agent was manipulated by varying two dimensions of projectile control: “power” and “control”. The results revealed that agents with complementary relationship promoted anthropomorphism and enhanced users’ perceived enjoyment and satisfaction with the game, as well as their sense of intimacy with the agent.