Introduction to biometric measures for Games User Research
Lennart Nacke. 2018. Introduction to biometric measures for Games User Research. In Anders Drachen, Pejman Mirza-Babaei, and Lennart Nacke. Eds. Games User Research. New York, NY. Oxford University Press, 281-299. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198794844.003.0016
Abstract
Biometrics provide real-time measures of human responses essential to player experience in Games User Research (GUR) projects. This chapter presents the physiological metrics used in GUR. Aimed at GUR professionals in the games industry, it explains what methods are available to researchers to measure biometric data while subjects are engaged in play. It sets out when it is appropriate to use biometric measures in GUR projects, the kind of data generated, and the differing ways it can be analysed. The chapter also discusses the trade-offs required when interpreting physiological data, and will help games user researchers to make informed decisions about which research questions can benefit from biometric methodologies.