Player engagement is a complex concept that has been studied by many researchers [3] [4] [5] [6] . There is no single definition of player engagement, but it is generally defined as the degree to which a player is involved in a game. Player engagement can be measured by a number of variables, such as time spent playing, number of play sessions, degree of emotional investment and level of satisfaction [4] . Numerous studies have been conducted on gamer engagement [5] . Some studies have examined the factors that contribute to gamer engagement, while others have looked at the consequences of gamer engagement [6] .

Game assets can be classified into several categories, according to their nature or function.

● Graphics: graphics are the images that make up the game world. They can be 2D or 3D, and are created using techniques such as 3D modelling, texturing, lighting and animation [7] .

● Sound: sound is an essential element in immersing the player in the game. It can include sound effects, music and voice-overs [7] .

● Animations: animations allow the characters and objects in the game to move. They are created using techniques such as motion capture and computer animation [7] .

● Scripts: scripts define the behaviour of game characters and objects. They are written in a programming language such as C++, Java or Python [8] .

● User interfaces: user interfaces allow players to interact with the game. They include elements such as menus, buttons and sliders [7] .

● Other assets: Other game assets can include game data, such as maps, levels and objects. They can also include elements such as soundtracks and translations [7] .

Game assets have evolved significantly over the years. Graphics have become increasingly realistic, thanks to advances in technology [9] . Sound has also become more immersive, with the use of technologies such as surround sound and 3D audio [9] . Animations have become more fluid and expressive, thanks to advances in computer animation [9] . Scripts have become more complex, with the use of techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning [8] . User interfaces have become more intuitive and accessible, thanks to advances in user interface design [7] .

Gaming assets will continue to evolve in the coming years. 3D graphics will become even more realistic, thanks to advances in computing power [9] . Sound will become even more immersive, thanks to the use of technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality [9] . Animations will be even more fluid and expressive, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning [9] . Scripts will be even more complex, thanks to the use of machine learning and text generation [8] . User interfaces will be even more intuitive and accessible, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning [7] .

Colours can be classified in different ways, according to their nature or function [11] .

● Primary colours: primary colours are the basic colours that cannot be created from other colours. They are red, green and blue.

● Secondary colours: secondary colours are created by mixing two primary colours. These are orange, yellow, violet and brown.

● Tertiary colours: tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary and a secondary colour.

● Warm colours: warm colours are those associated with warmth and passion. They include red, orange and yellow.

● Cool colours: Cool colours are those associated with coldness and tranquillity. They include blue, green and violet.

● Neutral colours: Neutral colours are those that are not associated with a particular emotion. They are black, white and grey.

Colours have a significant impact on our perception. They can affect our mood, attention, memory and behaviour [10] .

● Mood: colours can have a significant impact on our mood. Red is often associated with excitement and energy, blue is often associated with relaxation and tranquillity, and green is often associated with peace and serenity.

● Attention: bright colours can attract our attention more easily than pale colours.

● Memory: colours can help us remember information.

- Behaviour: colours can influence our behaviour. For example, red is often associated with shopping, and green is often associated with health.

Colours are used strategically in video games to create an immersive and engaging experience [12] .

● Colours can be used to create a certain feeling or atmosphere. For example, a horror game may use dark and bright colours to create a frightening atmosphere.

● Colours can be used to guide players. For example, a platform game might use bright colours to show players where to go.

● Colours can be used to create a sense of coherence. For example, a game might use a consistent colour palette to create a strong visual identity.

Colours are an essential component of human perception. They can have a significant impact on our emotions, thoughts and behaviour [10] . Video game designers use colour strategically to create an immersive and engaging experience [12] .

The survey was conducted among 709 second-year students enrolled in the Computer Science and Digital Science degree program at the Ivory Coast Virtual University. Of these, 378 (i.e. 53.32% of the initial sample) took part in the study by completing the questionnaire. This participant population is made up of 57% girls and 43% boys, reflecting the diversity within the sample. Although they come from a variety of specialties, all these students are equipped for and accustomed to distance learning. This population was targeted because of their likely familiarity with technology and smartphone games.

The questionnaire was designed to explore various aspects of students’ gambling habits and preferences. The main questions included in the questionnaire are:

● Game ownership: Identification of the number of students with games installed on their smartphones.

● Types of games: Categorization of the genres or types of games that students play most frequently.

● Motivation to play: Understanding the main reasons why students play, whether for entertainment, learning or other reasons.

● Preferred game assets: Identification of the specific elements of the game that appeal most to students, be it the graphics and visual design, the audio and sound design, the game mechanics and system, the storyline and narrative, or the interactivity and accessibility.

● Impact of colors: Evaluation of the importance of colors in the overall gaming experience.

● Dominant colors: Identification of the colors that students find most attractive or dominant in the games.

The main aim of this survey is twofold. On the one hand, it aims to highlight the importance of mobile games. Secondly, it aims to identify the game assets and colors that have the greatest impact on player engagement.

In our study we carried out a survey of 378 students enrolled in Computer Science and Digital Science at the Ivory Coast Virtual University. These are male and female students in the second year of their bachelor’s degree in all their respective specialties, equipped for distance learning. The tables below show the results of our study.

We assessed the prevalence of gaming among students using two criteria: possession of a gaming application (80.7% have one) and frequency of daily gaming (61.2% play every day). These data show that gaming is a widespread activity among us (see Table 1).

According to our observations, 61.4% of learners play mainly for entertainment, while 29.1% seek to learn through games. A further 9.5% have other motivations for playing (see Figure 1). Understanding these trends helps us to understand the importance of games as a learning tool. We see that in order to meet the diverse needs of learners, it may be beneficial to design games that combine both entertainment and education. This points to the importance of striking a balance between fun and learning when designing games.

According to our data, a majority of learners, 45.6%, opt for puzzle or reflexion games. We also find that 14.8% prefer strategy games and 12.7% sport games (see Table 2). These figures reveal a marked preference for games requiring reflection and strategy. We know that puzzle games strengthen cognitive skills, and strategy games require thinking and decision-making. On the other hand, sports games, which focus on physical skills, seem to be less popular. This understanding

of our preferences can guide developers in designing games tailored to our learning needs.

According to the data, we find that the majority of learners, 37.8%, value game mechanics and systems. Scenario and narrative followed at 25.5%, then graphics and visual design at 21.1%. Audio and sound design are valued by 13.2% of learners, while interactivity and accessibility are the least popular at 2.3% (see Table 3). We deduce from this information the crucial importance of game mechanisms and narrative in engaging learners.

According to our observations, out of 67.5% of learners, colours act as a motivating factor in the game, while 32.5% disagree (see Table 4). We recognise the importance of colours on our engagement and motivation in the video game. Colours influence our emotions, making the game more enjoyable and immersive. They also enable us to distinguish the different elements of the game and convey information. Finally, colours enhance the aesthetics of the game, making it visually fun. In short, we understand that colours are essential to our gaming experience.

We can see that the majority of learners, with 87 votes, opt for blue, making this colour the dominant one in their preferences for a game. Green and red follow with 41 and 31 votes respectively, while yellow, black and white and other colours receive fewer votes (Figure 2). These trends underline the appeal of blue to learners in the context of the game. We recognise the influence of colour on the user experience, impacting engagement and motivation. Understanding these preferences guides us in designing more defined games.