Investigating Usability, User Preferences, Ergonomics, and Player Performance in StarCraft II

Abstract

The present study investigated several factors hypothesized to affect player performance in a real-time strategy computer game, StarCraft II (SC2). User preferences for certain game settings (e.g., custom hotkey shortcuts) and peripheral equipment (e.g., gaming keyboards, laser mice) were surveyed along with usability perceptions and individual differences. In addition to these self-reports, participants uploaded replays of their perceived strongest SC2 games, offering a snapshot of players’ in-game behavioral data. Results indicated that perceived usability problems and higher neuroticism were linked to poorer performance, but multitasking tendencies and custom hotkeys were predictive of greater performance. Gaming keyboards were related to performance, although a performance benefit is inconclusive. Implications for individual differences, ergonomics, and usability are discussed.