Chapter 4 Determinants of Video Game Performance

Utility of Game Instructions

“…Overall, the results of this research are consistent with some previous studies on video game performance training and demonstrate that game tips and CBT can be effective in enhancing game performance (e.g., Baba, 1993;Newell et al, 1989). In addition, our data show that the effectiveness of game tips and CBT appears to be task-specific.…”

“…Literature from video game-related performance suggests that game knowledge and game-related motor skills play an important role in determining game performance (Baba, 1993). Baba found that, especially early in learning, game specific knowledge was more important than motor-skill training as a determinant of game performance.…”

“…Literature in training procedural and psychomotor tasks was also reviewed, since most PC/video game playing involves both knowledge and perceptual-motor execution of game strategies (Baba, 1993). A general finding from this literature is that complex tasks involving procedural items or perceptual-motor manipulations greatly benefit from part-task training (Kirlik, Fisk, Walker, & Rothrock, 1998).…”

“…Since novice players tend to use inefficient oculomotor movement if not trained otherwise, it was concluded that efficient eye movement training could benefit novice players in improving their game performance. Baba (1993) compared the effectiveness of different instructional techniques for enhancing PC game performance. She found that novice game players coached with game specific knowledge/strategies (i.e., game playing tips provided by experts) performed much better and had much steeper learning curves compared with those who were not coached, in playing a maze-running video game, Lady Bug®, similar to the popular Pac Man® game.…”

“…In addition, players who have access to game-playing tips are expected to perform better than those who do not (Baba, 1993;Newell et al, 1989). Baba and Newell et al demonstrated that those subjects who had access to game-tips outperformed those who only received game-related motor skill training.…”