The Effect of Educational Video Game Perceptual Realism on Learning Outcomes and Motivation

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the effect of the level of perceptual realism of the game world’s dimensionality, graphics, and physics on learning outcomes and motivation. An evaluation of two versions of an educational video game that differ in the level of realism was performed. Descriptive and inferential analysis results show that both versions are effective learning tools and equally motivating, suggesting that 3D educational games do not cause a higher cognitive load than 2D educational games.