Have you ever wondered why some people will rack up over 50 kills in a round of Call of Duty while others will struggle to get to ten? Or why certain StarCraft players will wield unbelievable micro and macro management skills while others will struggle with timing and unit coordination? Obviously a lot of it comes down to practice, familiarity and confidence. However, there is also a significant degree of natural ability which will dictate just how good you will become at a game.<\/p>\n
Researchers at the University of Illinois have released findings from a study which monitors brain activity in individuals, and how it affects their skill in a game. Using magnetic resonance imaging and a method known as multivoxel pattern analysis, A.K.A fancy sciency stuff, the researchers paid close attention to a collection of brain structures called the basal ganglia. This area of the brain is important for procedural learning, coordinated movement, and feelings of reward.<\/p>\n
The test required participants to spend 20 hours playing Space Fortress, a game developed at the University.<\/p>\n
By observing the basal ganglia in 34 test subjects, the researchers were able to predict with ‘unprecedented accuracy’ just how well each individual would perform in the game. The predictions were accurate between 55 and 68 percent of the time, which in scientific terms is impressive.<\/p>\n
“The findings should not be interpreted to mean that some people are destined to succeed or fail at a given task or learning challenge, however,” Kramer said, going on “We know that many of these components of brain structure and function are changeable.”<\/p>\n
However, it seems clear that by analysing this portion of the brain, scientists can identify individuals who may be predisposed to learning games easily, and excelling at them, while others will not have as good reflexes, motor skills and attention shifting ability.<\/p>\n
Check out the full study findings here<\/a>.<\/p>\n