The Role of Energetic Music in a Video Game: Analyzing its Effect on Immersion, Perception and Performance

Energetic music has the potential to enhance immersion but can also negatively impact task performance. This study measured the effects of music on a video game suited for energetic music using both subjective (questionnaires) and objective (facial and physiological analysis) measures. Participants played under two conditions: with and without music. While the music condition led to higher reports of immersion, no significant difference between the two conditions was found. Performance scores were better without music, suggesting that energetic music, while increasing immersion, may disrupt performance by intensifying the task. These findings emphasize the importance of aligning immersion with task relevance, as the effects of music on performance are context-dependent. Further investigation into the balance between engagement, task perception, and performance is needed