Evaluation of shape I/O controller for video games

Abstract

In this paper, we present a transformable controller. The controller consists of multiple triangular prisms. Its three-dimensional shape can be freely changed by twisting each prism. The shape of an item in the game changes when a game player changes the shape of the controller. The shape of the controller changes immediately if the shape of the corresponding game items changes in the game world. This feature makes the player feel more sense of unity with the game character. We developed some prototype controllers and a game that could be played with the controllers. We conducted some experiments to evaluate the quality of the game experience with IEQ questionnaire. The first experimental result showed that we could not find any significant differences. However, we could find some implications to improve the controller. After the improvement, the second experimental result showed that a significant 5% difference in two items, "immersion" and "emotional involvement".