Brain-Computer Interfacing and Games

Abstract

Recently research into Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) applications for healthy users, such as games, has been initiated. But why would a healthy person use a still-unproven technology such as BCI for game interaction? BCI provides a combination of information and features that no other input modality can offer. But for general acceptance of this technology, usability and user experience will need to be taken into account when designing such systems. Therefore, this chapter gives an overview of the state of the art of BCI in games and discusses the consequences of applying knowledge from Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to the design of BCI for games. The integration of HCI with BCI is illustrated by research examples and showcases, intended to take this promising technology out of the lab. Future

Evaluating User Experience in a Selection Based Brain-Computer Interface Game A Comparative Study

“…Perhaps a neuromechanism independent of stimulation can impose much less workload. For example imagining movements or trying to relax are commonly used actions in BCI applications and do not require any stimulation [15]. Maybe a more intuitive way of commanding dogs can provide better usability.…”

“…BCIs, for example, have long been in use for selection tasks in assistive [14] and also recreational [15] applications. However, in all these applications, the primary concern has been to optimise the recognition performance so the appropriateness and consequences of using BCIs for selection tasks has never been considered.…”

Affective brain-computer interfaces: Special Issue editorial

“…For example, the alpha WoW system can change a user's World of Warcraft avatar if the user's EEG indicates an increased level of stress. [5] Users could always press a button to send this information, but doing so creates some distraction and burden just when the user exhibits stress, and may need hands free to deal with ingame challenges. Similarly, games or other software applications might automatically adapt to states when users seem overburdened or bored.…”

Social Interaction in a Cooperative Brain-Computer Interface Game

“…Possibilities are applications such as virtual environment controllers [1] and games [11]. An advantage of games is that when one is integrating BCI into a game one could turn a disadvantage, the lower accuracy that is associated with BCI, into a challenge that the gamer has to master [10].…”