What is immersion in video games? What contributes to greater immersion?

Immersion in video games refers to the degree of a player's absorption in the game world and the creation of a sense of presence and interaction with it. This is the way in which video games create the impression that the player is diving into a virtual environment and becoming part of the story and events.

What contributes to greater immersion? In fact - many factors. Part of them depends on the video game developers, and another part on the player (their personal experience, character, level of empathy, etc.).

Detailed graphics, realism of visual effects, environmental and character details, lighting and textures - all of these can enhance the immersiveness of the game.

Reproducing realistic ambient sounds, character voices, music, and sound effects can help immerse the player in the game and create a sense of presence.

Immersive gameplay, where the player has control over the character, can enhance the feeling of interaction with the virtual world. Realistic character movements, object physics, dynamic events, and a sense of presence in the game world - all contribute to immersion.

Narrative, a compelling story, interesting characters, and engaging events can immerse the player in the virtual world and evoke an emotional response.

Free choice and freedom of action: The presence of free choice, influence on the course of the story, and the ability to complete various tasks allow the player to feel that they control their own adventure, which increases the degree of immersion.

Empathy for video game characters can lead to deeper immersion in the plot, thus contributing to immersiveness.  These factors can combine in various ways in different video games, but together they help create an immersive experience where the player feels immersed in the virtual world and experiences interaction with it.