Implications for Serious Game Design: Quantification of Cognitive Stimulation in Virtual Reality Puzzle Games through MSC and SpEn EEG Analysis

Gomez Romero Borquez, Jesus Alberto; Del-Valle-Soto, Carolina; Del-Puerto-Flores, J. Alberto; Castillo-Soria, Francisco R.; Maciel-Barboza F.M.

doi:10.3390/electronics13112017

Implications for Serious Game Design: Quantification of Cognitive Stimulation in Virtual Reality Puzzle Games through MSC and SpEn EEG Analysis

Journal

Electronics

ISSN

2079-9292

Date Issued

2024

Author(s)

Castillo-Soria, Francisco R.

Maciel-Barboza F.M.

Type

Resource Types::text::journal::journal article

DOI

10.3390/electronics13112017

URL

https://scripta.up.edu.mx/handle/20.500.12552/10712

Abstract

This paper investigates the cognitive stimulation experienced by players engaging in virtual reality (VR) puzzle games through the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) data. The study employs magnitude-square coherence (MSC) and spectral entropy (SpEn) metrics to quantify neural activity patterns associated with problem-solving processes during gameplay. Results reveal unique coherence and entropy profiles across different VR gaming tasks, with Tetris gameplay eliciting heightened coherence and entropy values compared to other games. Specifically, Tetris demonstrates increased coherence between frontal and temporal brain regions, indicative of enhanced visuospatial processing and decision making. These findings underscore the importance of considering both spectral coherence and entropy when assessing the cognitive effects of video game tasks on brain activity. Insights from this study may inform the design of serious VR games aimed at promoting cognitive development and problem-solving skills in players.