Who Most Enjoys Game‐Based Assessment? Predicting Applicant Reactions by Performance, Gaming Experience and Demographic Factors

ABSTRACT Research on applicant reactions to game‐related assessments (GRAs) has primarily focused on gamified approaches while overlooking more immersive game‐based assessments (GBAs). This study examines the relation between applicant performance, demographics, in‐game behaviors, and affect and recommendation intentions toward GBAs. Regression models identified performance and gaming experience as consistent predictors of applicant reactions using real‐life, high‐stakes recruitment samples ( N = 376 and N = 284) across two distinct GBAs. Although age and gender were initially associated with applicant reactions, these effects were no longer significant when included in the model. The findings underscore the importance of candidates' gaming experience for practitioners and highlight the need for further research on predictors of applicant reactions both across and within GRA types.