Self-produced sound and kinesonic feedback in FPS games : do players have a preference between binaural and monophonic Foley?

Abstract: Based on prior research on concepts such as kinesonic feedback, and the here presented concept of kinesonic perspective, this study investigates whether or not players prefer binaurally recorded Foley over monophonically recorded Foley in a first-person video game environment, and whether or not binaural Foley has an impact on their relationship to, or perception of, the avatar. A game environment was created, in which players could switch at will between two audio modes; one containing binaurally recorded Foley, and the other containing monophonically recorded Foley. In the study, subjects were asked to state their preference between the two modes, motivate said preference, rate the two modes on three attributes, and answer questions regarding their perceived relationship to the avatar. Results showed no statistical significance regarding the preference of the sample, but a potential link was found between subjects’ preference and their perceived believability of the Foley sounds. The qualitative results showed that the binaural Foley had a complex impact on the subjects’ perception of and relationship to the avatar. The qualitative data also showed that subjects generally felt that the binaural Foley originated from their own body. Due to the small sample size and diversity of subject opinions it is however difficult to make any generalizations regarding the average player. Further research could investigate what role sound plays in the player’s ability to embody the avatar, as well as more thoroughly investigate the complex relationship between the kinesonic perspective of the avatar and that of the player.