Play and Interpret in Art Museum’s Games: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Games are gaining popularity in art museums as a form of communication that improves the visiting experience. However, little research has shed light on the influence of games on visitors’ grasp of the museum narrative and their interpretation (as opposed to the acquisition of factual information) during the gameplay. In addition, few mature design methods can integrate games with museum content to reach games’ full potential. How to combine the game with the exhibition to make a meaningful and inspiring play? What factors might influence the visitors’ interpretation gained through the museum gameplay experience? Around these issues, this study aims to enrich this field of research by conducting a systematic review of game studies in art museums using the PRISMA protocol. Our review focuses on game design practices and their evaluation in art museums. The review results indicate a research gap in the evaluation method of visitors’ interpretation during the art museum gameplay, and more research is needed in the field.