Multi-Device Classification Model for Game Interaction Techniques

ABSTRACT

The player should enjoy games through the game controller of their preference and keep the best possible game experience regardless their option. This article proposes a novel classification model for game interaction techniques from the player perspective and with direct control of a single humanoid avatar based on three characteristics: Effort, Duration, and Context. Combining the three characteristics, we classify the game interaction techniques into nine isomorphic categories. We conducted three experiments. The first (N = 57) and second (N = 45) were a paired quantitative comparison evaluation method, allowing the volunteer to play the same game level twice, changing only the interaction technique for one action. This aimed at validating our initial proposal with users. The third (N = 100) was also a comparative test. The volunteer played the same stage twice using the button-interaction based version as a reference against one of another four device-based versions. The goal was to extend the proposed classification model to other interaction devices to check if the interaction metaphor was kept coherent. In all three experiments, we chose the 202 participants as a convenience sample. The users’ experiments support all the research hypotheses. We conclude that, if our proposed guideline with our interaction technique classification model is applied, it may expect a positive impact on the players’ experiences.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Felipe Breyer

Felipe Breyer is a Professor in the Graphic Design course at Instituto Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil since 2011. He received his PhD degree from Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. His main research includes game design, human–computer interaction, user experience, mixed reality systems, media studies, and storytelling.

Judith Kelner

Judith Kelner is a Full Professor at the Center of Informatics at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil since 1979. She currently teaches multimedia and interactive systems and applications, her research interests include virtual and augmented reality systems, advanced interfaces, human computer/robotics interactions, and Internet of Things (IoT).

Esteban Clua

Esteban Clua is professor at Universidade Federal Fluminense and coordinator of UFF Medialab, NVIDIA Center of Excellence at UFF. Young Scientist of the State of Rio in 2009 and 2013. His main research and development area are Digital Games, Virtual Reality and GPUComputing. In 2015, he was nominated as NVidia Fellow.