Frozen Flame

This study examines the effect of counterplay mechanics on player behavior and emotional responses in competitive multiplayer games. Counterplay mechanics involve a player's ability to respond purposefully to the actions of another player, increasing the game's complexity. The study evaluates how changes in counterplay mechanics impact player emotions and behavior by altering level design. The prototype 1v1 game, where players have the same abilities, was developed, and the map changed every round with more walls added. The study used surveys and gameplay analysis to evaluate the influence of counterplay on player experience. The study found that the presence of counterplay mechanics positively affected player engagement and that simpler counterplay mechanics were more effective for better gameplay than complex mechanics. The findings assist game designers in creating captivating and gratifying competitive multiplayer games.