The relationship between esports game genres and cognitive performance: A comparison between first-person shooter vs. multiplayer online battle arena games in younger adults

Mancı E., Güdücü Ç., Günay E., Güvendi G., Campbell M., Bediz C. Ş.

ENTERTAINMENT COMPUTING, cilt.50, ss.1-7, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 50
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.entcom.2024.100640
  • Dergi Adı: ENTERTAINMENT COMPUTING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-7
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The relationship between esports and cognitive performance has recently gained interest in scientific research. Specifically, the cognitive characteristics of popular gaming genres such as Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games (MOBA) and First-Person Shooter (FPS) are needed to be explained. This present study aimed to compare cognitive abilities and reveal the differences between players who regularly play MOBA and FPS games.

The participants were divided according to the game genres into MOBA players (n = 17; game experience = 9.17 ± 2.21 years) and FPS players (n = 22; game experience = 10.90 ± 3.62 years). Four cognitive tests (i.e., Change Detection, Mackworth Clock, Timewall, and Flanker Test) were administered to the participants via a computerized test battery. The data of the different groups were statistically compared.

In the Mackworth Clock Test, FPS players had a higher percentage of correct answers than MOBA players (p =.02). The number of correct answers and reaction times obtained from the Flanker test by FPS players were higher compared to MOBA players (p =.02 and p =.01, respectively).

This study revealed that the sustained attention, reaction time, and inhibition skills of FPS players are better than MOBA players. These findings may help to shed light on some of the cognitive abilities that might be more relevant to the FPS genres.