Multisensory Game Design for Flow and Engagement: “Ammonite” Development – Business Strategy Internship

Fluxscopic Ltd. is an independent video game studio currently developing its new game, “Ammonite”. Their work is important in pushing the boundaries of interactive story telling and experimental mechanics. The game centers around an avatar navigating a puzzle-based world, where players interact with objects that respond dynamically through audiovisual and tactile cues.
The internship will involve both hands-on development using Unity and the PS5 DualSense controller, as well as research into the psychological and physiological effects of sensory synchronization on immersion.

A key innovation challenge being addressed is the underexplored role of haptic feedback coupled with advanced sound design in creating emotionally resonant and ethically engaging gameplay experiences. This internship combines game prototyping with experimental design, including the creation of a study to compare synchronized vs. unsynchronized feedback conditions. Measures will include flow metrics and physiological data such as heart rate variability and skin conductance, offering a multi-layered view of player experience. This will provide valuable information for new avenues to explore in psychological research with video game engines. And the company will benefit by having a key feature of their game tested under controlled conditions and analyzed with proven physiological and psychological methods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mike Dixon

Student:

Partner:

Fluxscopic Ltd.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: