More than looking: using eye movements behind the eyelids as a new game mechanic

The number of mainstream gaze-enabled games is rapidly increasing. They introduce gaze interactions based on the alignment of the eyes' focus on locations of interest. We challenge this traditional use of gaze and propose to play without looking. We developed KryptonEyed, a mini-game prototype that requires the player to close their eyes and perform eye movements behind the eyelids before opening them to aim with gaze for interaction. To validate the interaction mechanic and the game experience, we conducted two user studies. We evaluated the feasibility of using the proposed dynamic, its performance and the game experience. Results show how participants could successfully use the proposed gaze technique and overcome the game challenge. Based on our findings, we discuss the metaphors to" not look" for interaction and give directions to introduce the dynamic in gaze-enabled games.