When players enter into an interactive game setting, they undertake a process of discovery and subsequent distinguishing of the rules and goals which will prevail in the play context. However, this process of forming understanding is often altered by the subtle expectations which prevail upon the interaction setting. In this paper, we argue that user perception, leading to internal or external motivation towards gameplay, is shaped differently depending on the general context on how and where players first encounter the game. We will use an existing three phase gameplay model, based on invitation, exploration, and immersion, and draw observations from laboratory, museum, hospital, and classroom studies of various interactive playful experiences. This work aims to support interaction designers in developing internal motivation in young users, towards positive gameplay experiences for children and lessening the gap between laboratory and in situ studies.

We would like to thank the European Commission for funding the Pico’s Adventure project. We would like to note that this publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. We would also like to thank La Caixa Foundation for funding Lands of Fog as part of the RecerCaixa 2013 grants.