The effect of authentic input devices on computer game immersion

Abstract

A key question in the field of computer game studies is the user experience during the gameplay. One of the main factors influencing this experience is the control mechanism that players use to interact with the game system. With the launch of the Wii Console in 2006, Nintendo introduced an innovative concept of controlling computer games that allows users to manipulate and to interact with game elements on the screen by moving and pointing the input device. The usage of game controllers with a high degree of perceptual closeness should influence the gaming experience in such a manner that the degree of immersion is higher compared to the usage of a regular gamepad which eventually leads to a higher entertainment value. We conducted a study to examine the influence of the input device players use to control a game on the immersion and perceived entertainment value. The results of the study show, in accordance with our assumptions, that a more authentic input device results in a higher degree of immersion and entertainment value.