Eye Behavior in Cognitively Demanding Games

Abstract

Eye-tracking technology has long been utilized in fields such as marketing and monetization, yet its application in game development remains relatively underexplored. Understanding players’ visual attention can provide useful insights into user interface design, tutorial effectiveness, and cognitive load management, among other topics. One significant challenge is identifying moments of attentional overload, where excessive sensory input may overwhelm players and cause them to miss critical game cues. This study investigates visual attention patterns and cognitive load in gaming environments through a quantitative and qualitative user study, utilizing pinball as a controlled experimental medium. By analyzing gaze behavior across varying gameplay conditions, the study identified key patterns in how players allocate visual attention under differing cognitive loads. Results showed that an increased number of tracked objects significantly altered gaze strategy, with players shifting focus toward the flippers and lower playfield regions during multiball events, likely as a response to attentional limitations. Although elevated task demand also influenced eye behavior, its effects were more subtle. Reduced fixation and pursuit frequencies suggest that visual strategies adapt to manage cognitive resources efficiently. These findings provide actionable insights for game designers aiming to reduce cognitive strain and optimize information delivery in fast-paced interactive environments.