Telepresence and Video Games: The Impact of Image Quality

This study investigates the impact of video game image quality on telepresence. Past research has demonstrated positive associations between television image quality and presence and video game technology and presence. No study to date, however, has examined the presence effects of video games played in high definition, which is becoming increasingly common due to the diffusion of new TV technologies into homes. This paper reports the results of an experiment in which image quality was manipulated. The results of the study provide some support for image quality affecting telepresence. Specifically, higher quality images in video games led to higher levels of immersion. These findings are discussed along with suggestions for future research.