Lushness in Game Design: The Role of Non-Interactive Visual Embellishments in Player Experience

The positive effect of visual embellishments such as juiciness on player experience (PX) is well-recognized. However, little is known about non-interactive visual embellishments (e.g., decorative background images or game objects players cannot interact with) and their implications for PX. This paper introduces lushness, a novel concept referring to non-interactive visual elements in games that are leveraged for decorative purposes. We present results from a study with 31 participants who played four versions of a 2D platformer game with varying levels of lushness: (a) no lushness, (b) low lushness, (c) moderate lushness, and (d) extreme lushness. Results demonstrate positive effects of increased lushness on PX, in particular on audiovisual appeal and overall attractiveness of the game. However, we did not observe differences regarding other aspects of PX, e.g., player competence or cognitive load. Our findings suggest that lushness enhances PX on a surface-level, improving the visual appeal of games without significantly impacting other areas of PX. Designers and researchers can benefit from the informed use of lushness in the development of games to ensure visual appeal, an aspect which we critically appraise for appropriateness in different game genres and contexts of play.