Key Takeaways
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- Individual brain processing plays a significant role in determining preferences for inverted Y-axis control in gaming, rather than initial experiences or early exposure to games.
- Faster mental rotation speed and shorter response times to cues are predictors of not preferring inverted controls.
- Those who do not use inverted controls tend to react more quickly, while inverted players demonstrate greater accuracy in some instances.
- The study suggests that control setting preferences may be rooted in spatial information processing and visual-motor mapping, which could influence future interface design. However, further research with diverse participants and various scenarios is needed for confirmation.
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XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Preference for Inverted Y-Axis in Gaming Linked to Brain Processing, Not Initial Experiences
A study by Jennifer E. Corbett and Jaap Munneke investigated why some players prefer the inverted Y-axis (moving the joystick down to look up). Published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, the research concluded that this control preference is more closely linked to individual differences in brain processing than to a player’s initial gaming experiences. To explore this, Corbett and Munneke surveyed 192 individuals about their gaming habits. Participants then completed tasks designed to test visual field dependency, mental rotation of objects, perspective-taking, and the Simon effect. The results indicated that participants’ speed in mentally rotating objects and their response times to cues were stronger predictors of inverted control preference than the types of games they first played. Specifically, individuals who were faster at these mental rotation and response time tasks were less likely to prefer inverted controls. The study also observed a pattern: those who do not use inverted controls tend to react more quickly, while inverted players demonstrated greater accuracy in some instances. These predictive models remained statistically significant even when only mental rotation speed and Simon task time were considered.
Preference for Gaming Control Settings Linked to Brain Processing, Not Initial Experiences and Early Exposure
Consequently, the study suggests that preferences for control settings stem from how individuals process spatial information and visual-motor mappings, rather than solely from early gaming exposure. The researchers noted that these findings are preliminary but could inform future interface design. They also acknowledged the need for further research involving diverse participants and various scenarios.
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| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XCOM: Enemy Unknown |
| Brief Summary | XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. The original XCOM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. You will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle. |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 3, Android, Mac |
| Released | October 9, 2012 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical |
| Play Modes | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Content Rating | 18 |
| Languages | Czech, English, Spanish (Spain), Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) |
| Genre | Firaxis Games |
| Genre | 2K Games, Feral Interactive |
| Ratings | 86/100 (545 reviews) |