Feature Analysis of Facial Color Information During Emotional Arousal in Japanese Older Adults Playing eSports

Abstract

Rapid digitalization has resulted in an increase in the number of older adults playing electronic sports (eSports). Therefore, it must be investigated whether eSports have a positive effect on cognitive function in older adults. We explored the traits of facial color modification in Japanese older individuals while playing eSports by employing the facial color analysis technique proposed in this study. With the aging population, eSports have garnered interest as a means of extending healthy life expectancy. The quantitative detection of emotions obtained from eSports can function as an indicator for evaluating the degree to which individuals enjoy the games and can aid in the assessment of eSports to extend healthy life expectancy. Thus, in this study, we aimed to develop an indicator for quantitatively assessing the emotions experienced while playing eSports. The investigation revealed that information on color saturation in the cheek region exhibited a distinct relationship with the emotions generated while playing eSports. The identified characteristics can also be utilized in techniques to estimate the emotions generated during eSports activities. This can contribute to the evaluation of eSports in extending the healthy life expectancy of older adults. Furthermore, it can aid in the development of technologies that support remote communication.