Concept, development and evaluation of a mind action game with the electro encephalograms as an auxiliary input

Abstract

Games are interactive applications that require input devices in order to send messages for the interaction. Normally this input devices are mouse, keyboards and joysticks. Lately, this input has been done in different ways, such as voice, touch and movement with new input devices. One type of input that has not been very explored is the use of the brain waves as a input for the game. While in past these devices where expensive, nowadays Brain Computer Interface (BCI) have become accessible, cheap and can be acquired with nonintrusive top off-the-shelf products, which can create a new paradigm of interaction for games. This work presents a novel architecture and framework that can help the development of games with both BCI and traditional interfaces. As a proof of concept, this paper shows the experience in designing and developing a game prototype using the framework and EEG brainwaves as one of the players input. The game is an action slice game, similar to Fruit Ninja, called MindNinja. This game differ form most BCI game, since it is based on an action game, using touch input where the BCI is used as an auxiliary input to change the game behavior. This game was tested and evaluated with a group of person, showing promising results in the fun level, as well as increasing the attention level of subjects.