Using a bio-metric feedback device to enhance player experience in horror games

This paper is aimed at investigating whether a biofeedback device can positively increase a player's experience of thrill and suspension in a horror game. To facilitate this, two versions of the same horror game were created with a connection to a heart rate monitor. The difference between the two versions of the game was that the core elements were controlled by the heart rate which attempted to keep the player in a constant suspense state based on their heart rate. This was done to enhance the player's experience and thrill. These two versions of the game were then play-tested by users. Users had no insight into which version they were testing and afterward, a questionnaire was administered to ascertain the tester's emotional responses.The collected data was then analyzed and a pattern could be observed where testers preferred the version of the game that was controlled by the heart rate. This, backed by previous studies showed that using a biofeedback device to implement only the heart rate into a game had a marked positive effect on player experience. Still, additional research is needed with a larger control group to get more accurate results

Using a bio-metric feedback device to enhance player experience in horror games

This paper is aimed at investigating whether a biofeedback device can positively increase a player's experience of thrill and suspension in a horror game. To facilitate this, two versions of the same horror game were created with a connection to a heart rate monitor. The difference between the two versions of the game was that the core elements were controlled by the heart rate which attempted to keep the player in a constant suspense state based on their heart rate. This was done to enhance the player's experience and thrill. These two versions of the game were then play-tested by users. Users had no insight into which version they were testing and afterward, a questionnaire was administered to ascertain the tester's emotional responses.The collected data was then analyzed and a pattern could be observed where testers preferred the version of the game that was controlled by the heart rate. This, backed by previous studies showed that using a biofeedback device to implement only the heart rate into a game had a marked positive effect on player experience. Still, additional research is needed with a larger control group to get more accurate results

Self-reported hypersensitivity to exotic fruit in birch pollen-allergic patients

Background: The majority of Swedish birch pollen (BP)-allergic patients report hypersensitivity to some fruits, nuts and vegetables. Some BP-allergic patients complain ‘I can’t tolerate any fruit’. The main aim of the present study was to answer the question, ‘can BP-allergic patients tolerate some of the exotic fruit, not at present common in Sweden?’ Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 397) visiting the participating Allergy Clinics, who had a BP allergy and reported a food hypersensitivity, were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding 66 different fruits and vegetables. Subjects had three alternatives as an answer to each of the food questions: (i) ‘I tolerate it’; (ii) ‘I get symptoms from it’; or (iii) ‘I have not tried this food’. Skin prick tests were performed with pollen allergens. Results: Most patients had experienced reactions to several foods; only 31 patients (8%) reported hypersensitivity to one food only. Some of the fruit had been tried by only a few patients. In addition to earlier well- known BP-related foods, more than 40% of patients who had knowingly eaten Japanese pear and pomegranate said that they had experienced symptoms after eating the fruit. Most patients tolerated pineapple, melon, grapes and citrus fruits, as well as zucchini, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, ugli, melon pear and cherimoya. Conclusions: Although an allergy to fruit is common among BP-allergic patients, there are several widely available fruits that most patients tolerate; for instance, pineapple, melon, grapes and citrus fruit. Furthermore, there are many exotic fruits that most patients have not yet tried