Analyzing EEG waves to support the design of serious games for cognitive training

In this paper, electroencephalography (EEG) waves were analysed during the use of a developed video game. It implements specific mechanics (stimuli) that promote the training of cognitive abilities such as short-term memory, attention, and concentration. The conducted study involved ten participants: healthy children between 7 and 12 years old (developmental age) who played the game for an average of 19.2 min. The research question for the present work refers to how specific mechanics involved in platform video games activate electroencephalogram waves according to the above-mentioned cognitive processes. In this sense, the responses have been analysed in terms of cognitive activation through EEG during the video game mechanics. The results are consistent by showing significant findings, described in the manuscript conclusions, and related to EEG wave magnitudes during the studied game mechanics. These findings contribute to supporting the design of video games with cognitive training goals.