Understanding User Interaction in a Video Game by using Eye Tracking and Facial Expressions Analysis

The increasing importance and employment of usability testing has heightened the need for a careful and extensive study of usability evaluation methods and tools available. Usability testing provides a means for understanding the real picture of the product being used in a context. The aim of this Master‟s thesis is to understand user interaction in a video game by using the two data collection methods, eye tracking and facial expressions analysis. Usability testing in video games is one of the important factors, if carried out consistently and timely it can significantly make the video game more enjoyable, playable and provide a quality user experience to the gamers. Overall, the usability testing efforts contribute to the enhanced effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in the gaming experience. The eye movements and facial expressions provide data which is useful for researchers to understand the user interaction of players‟ while playing a video game, as what objects capture their attention, what objects were ignored or didn‟t get attention, difficulties in progressing through the game and also players emotional state when interacting with video game elements. Total eight participants were recruited including one pilot participant to perform the usability testing. The participants were asked to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and progress through the game by completing the objectives. Data collected by using eye movement tracking and facial expressions analysis. Data analysis performed to generate results from usability testing, questionnaire and interviews.