Gamifying the Museum: Enhancing Immersive Art Experiences with Social Connections and Personal Identity Exploration

This paper explores how social and gamified museum experiences can enhance the immersive art experience, encouraging engagement and interactivity. Museums provide a safe space for visitors to explore their individual identities and connect with others, forging personal connections and shared experiences. People often visit museums with friends or family to spend quality time together. Social and gamified immersive art experiences provide interactive environments that challenge assumptions and facilitate meaningful interactions, allowing individuals to explore their identities and develop a sense of belonging. By harnessing the transformative power of games and immersive art, individuals navigate the complexities of their identities, fostering understanding and connection within themselves and their community. Many museums now offer exhibits that encourage active participation, immersing visitors in different worlds and creating unique, unforgettable experiences. This study reveals that visitors primarily seek to appreciate art, gain knowledge, inspiration, creativity, and positive emotions like happiness and warmth. Participants expressed interest in gamified experiences and forming new connections. These findings can guide museums in tailoring their programs to meet visitors’ needs and desires. By utilising these findings, museums can acquire significant knowledge and enhance their programs to cater to the requirements and desires of their visitors more effectively.