Video-mediated and co-present gameplay: Effects of mutual gaze on game experience, expressiveness and perceived social presence

► Mutual gaze is a crucial for establishing a joyful video-mediated gameplay experience for children. ► Absence of mutual eye-gaze effects the perceived sense of social presence among remote children. ► Presence of mutual gaze increases social interaction and affective understanding among remote children. ► In a playful context, children appreciate video-mediated interaction over face-to-face interaction.