Experiencing human-to-human touch in digital games

Abstract

Digital games have been equipped with novel control styles which promotes natural interaction. However, Human-to-Human Social Touch (HHST) has not been investigated as a gaming apparatus thoroughly. We believe that HHST can be a valuable contribution since it can convey different messages with different patterns and would provide a rich collaborative experience with physical contact. To explore this area, we developed the Sensation which is a control apparatus detecting the different touch types between two players. To observe the gaming experience we implemented the game, Shape Destroy, and conducted a user study with 30 participants to understand its effects on player experience. Results showed that HHST, provided by the Sensation, added to game experience boosting social, ludic and emotional aspects.