Understanding User Experience with Game Controllers: A Case Study with an Adaptive Smart Controller and a Traditional Gamepad

Abstract

Evaluating digital games is challenging since success is defined by enjoyment and gameplay experience, two factors that are hard to measure. While several works presented methods to analyze these factors, it is rare to find studies that evaluate the impact that the input methods (gamepads, touch, keyboards) have on the experience. We now introduce an exploratory user experience and usability study that compares two radically different game controllers: a mobile touch-based controller and a traditional gamepad, using subjective and objective user data. Results of this exploratory study indicate that while the general user experience and usability were similar with both controllers, the physiological measures indicate that the emotions differ between interfaces. In our final thoughts, we provide insights about how to evaluate and compare the experience with game controllers.