Spatially modulated visuomotor efficiency in FPS players: eye-tracking evidence from a Go/No-Go target acquisition...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Neuroscience

Background:

• First-person shooter (FPS) games require advanced visual processing, spatial awareness, and response inhibition.
• The cognitive advantages conferred by FPS gaming experience are not fully understood.
• Investigating the link between FPS gameplay and cognitive functions like inhibitory control and visuomotor efficiency is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if FPS gaming experience is associated with enhanced inhibitory control and visuomotor efficiency.
• To compare cognitive performance between experienced FPS players and non-FPS participants.
• To explore the role of spatial demands in modulating these cognitive functions.

Main Methods:

• A gamified Go/No-Go target acquisition task with FPS-relevant spatial demands was employed.
• Behavioral data (reaction times, accuracy) and eye movement data (saccade latency, duration) were collected.
• 29 experienced FPS players and 32 non-FPS participants were compared.

Main Results:

• FPS players exhibited significantly faster execution times compared to non-FPS participants.
• No significant group differences were found in accuracy on Go trials or overall commission error rates on No-Go trials.
• Spatial context (quadrant and target distance) significantly modulated commission errors, and eye-tracking revealed more efficient oculomotor dynamics in FPS players.

Conclusions:

• FPS gaming experience is linked to faster visuomotor responding and distinct gaze dynamics, particularly under spatial demands.
• Inhibitory accuracy seems more influenced by spatial constraints than by FPS gaming experience.
• These findings contribute to understanding the cognitive adaptations associated with FPS gameplay.