The Influence of Affect on the Decision-Making Process in Virtual Simulation

Games rarely mirror real-life situation - what is more, virtual simulations are often designed as an opened world. Is it possible to predict simple choices regarding movement in virtual environment? The authors decided to test whether it is possible to use affectively laden pictures to influence simple decisions of binomial character. They designed a corridor with a possibility of turning left or right. On the walls of the corridor a different set of affective pictures was presented. Results show that participants not only associated the pictures with the decision about making a turn, but also that it is possible to predict an actual preference of the side. Such results allow to incorporate the predictions regarding affect and choice into simulation development process.