Game design considerations when using non-touch based natural user interface

Abstract

In recent years, the advancement in gaming interface has paved ways for faster and more interactive gameplay. There is now an increasing trend of using Natural User Interface (NUI) for computer games. This has also brought forward new challenges in game design and using non-touch based NUI in games is not simply replacing the existing interaction techniques. A lot of new game design considerations must be carefully thought out, planned and implemented, or otherwise the gameplay will suffer and, could cause frustration and dissatisfaction to the players. This paper discusses non-touch based Natural User Interface (NUI) and the factors that need to be considered by designers of games in designing games that uses this new user interface. Many considerations must be addressed to create the effective user experience when using NUI. This paper provides a framework of game design considerations that can be classified into three main categories: (1) user based analysis, (2) function based analysis, and (3) ambient based analysis. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.