Dissecting Gameplay: How Genre, Emotion, and Physiology Shape Cognitive Performance in Gamers

Abstract

This study explores how video game genres influence cognitive functions, specifically attention, cognitive flexibility, and spatial memory. Unlike past research that treats gaming as a uniform activity, this project examines genre-specific effects, alongside emotional engagement, heart rate, and gender differences. Using a 10-week pre–post test design, participants will play genre-based games and complete cognitive assessments, physiological monitoring, and experience questionnaires. Findings aim to reveal how different types of gameplay impact cognition and emotional states, offering insights for educational, therapeutic, and ethical game design, while advancing research on individual responses to digital media.