Rotating shapes mentally might be done more accurately, yet potentially slower, when using inverted camera controls, as suggested by a recent neuroscience study.
In a groundbreaking study, visual perception and cognitive neuroscience researchers Dr Jennifer Corbett and Dr Jaap Munneke have delved into the reasons behind the preference for inverted camera controls in gaming. The study, titled "Why axis inversion? Optimising interactions between users, interfaces, and visual displays in 3D environments," was conducted remotely and reviewed fragmented research across various disciplines.
The research found that the neuroscience influencing controller inversion preference is more complex than conventional wisdom suggests. The study was prompted by a 2020 Guardian article that asked experts why some gamers naturally prefer inverted controls.
Participants in the study completed a questionnaire to establish variables related to their gaming histories, control habits, and demographics. They also took part in four Zoom-administered experiments designed to examine cognitive factors that might influence y-axis inversion preferences.
The results showed that the best predictor of a participant's control inversion preferences was their performance on tasks related to processing visual and spatial information. There was a strong correlation between inversion preference and how quickly the subject could mentally rotate a 3D shape and complete a task where they had to overcome the "Simon effect," a psychological phenomenon.
Interestingly, non-inverted participants were faster but not more accurate than inverters. People who sometimes inverted were the slowest on tasks related to visual and spatial processing.
Dr Corbett stated that none of the reasons people gave for their controller inversion preference had anything to do with whether they actually inverted. This finding challenges the common belief that gamers choose inverted controls for tactical advantages.
The study's findings could have implications beyond the gaming world. The researchers believe that studies like theirs can help inform how we interface with control technologies in fields outside of gaming, such as laparoscopic surgery.
Lincoln Carpenter, a seasoned games journalist with 11 years of experience, has been writing about games for 11 years and joined PC Gamer as a full-time News Writer in 2024. Carpenter, who has expertise in various games including Caves of Qud, Crusader Kings, and Monster Hunter, covered the study's findings in a recent article.
The researchers hope that their work will serve as a foundation for future investigations of user-inspired, real-world problems and help bridge the gap between academic and applied knowledge. As more studies delve into this fascinating topic, we may soon unravel the mysteries behind the preference for inverted camera controls in gaming.
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