BrainBasher : a multi-modal BCI game for research and demonstration

Brain-controlled games have generally been developed to test some brain-computer interfacing (BCI) paradigm or for demonstration purposes, without much thought about the user experience. A simple BCI game has been developed to compare the user experience resulting from BCI versus keyboard input. The user study shows that BCI makes the game more difficult, and more challenging. This results in a more immersive and richer experience. The game has also been compared to a standard clinical design (without the elements of a clear goal, feedback, and playful design). The game interface is more pleasing and the experience more immersive. The subjects also performed significantly better. BCI as an input modality for games enhances certain aspects of the user experience. The elements introduced by games also have their influence on the use of BCI. It is time to take BCI seriously, and research the interlocking effects of combining this paradigm with that of games.