Redefining Play:A Novel Framework for Differentiating Agency and Autonomy in Video Games

Human agency has always been an important aspect of the player's gaming experience. Game designers and researchers have studied the definition of agency in video games, how it is measured, and its relationship with game elements and other player experiences. However, the current understanding of agency remains ambiguous and is often conflated with similar concepts. In this paper, we review the existing literature to distinguish agency from its most similar concept, autonomy, and propose a model based on a single completed player behaviour in a video game. This model also clarifies the related concepts of self-efficacy and competence, which are strongly linked to agency and autonomy. By providing a clearer framework, this model enhances our understanding of the complexity of player experiences and contributes to the advancement of game design.