It’s not the model that doesn’t fit, it’s the controller! The role of cognitive skills in understanding the links between natural mapping, performance, and enjoyment of console video games

•Examines differences between a motion controller and a traditional controller.•Cognitive skills predicted performance for both controllers.•Motion control was significantly more frustrating.•Evidence that traditional controller was more naturally mapped for gameplay.

This study examines differences in performance, frustration, and game ratings of individuals playing first-person shooter video games using two different controllers (motion controller and a traditional, push-button controller) in a within-subjects, randomized order design. Structural equation modeling was used to demonstrate that cognitive skills such as mental rotation ability and eye/hand coordination predicted performance for both controllers, but the motion control was significantly more frustrating. Moreover, increased performance was only related to game ratings for the traditional controller input. We interpret these data as evidence that, contrary to the assumption that motion controlled interfaces are more naturally mapped than traditional push-button controllers, the traditional controller was more naturally mapped as an interface for gameplay.