Persistence in the Face of Failure : Analyzing the Impact of Progress Loss on Player Persistence in Getting Over It

This thesis explores how the loss of progress affects persistence and retry behavior among content creators playing Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy for the first time. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative gameplay tracking with qualitative analysis of video transcripts to examine how repeated setbacks shape player engagement. The research focuses specifically on livestreamed and recorded content, leveraging the unique performative context of platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The theoretical framework incorporates Self-Determination Theory and Flow Theory to understand the motivational and experiential dimensions of persistence under frustration. Results indicate that despite, or because of repeated failures, players often exhibit renewed efforts, momentary flow states, and emotionally charged performances that are shaped both by internal motivation and external audience dynamics. These findings suggest that in games similar to Getting Over It, progress loss becomes a catalyst for narrative construction, emotional authenticity, and community engagement, especially within the performative sphere of online content creation. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on player frustration, abusive game design, and the evolving role of spectatorship in gameplay experience.