Use of caffeine to improve shooting performance in esports players

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of caffeine supplementation to improve shooting performance in first-person shooter (FPS) esports. Caffeine is a well-known performance enhancer in traditional sports, yet the benefits in esports are less clear. This study will be using the KovaaK’s FPS Aim Trainer to determine how caffeine may influence shooting performance, in addition to simple reaction time. Results from this research will help FPS esports players and teams understand the potential impact of caffeine on their shooting performance, in addition to contributing to the overarching goal of this PhD.

Are you looking for people like me?

You may be eligible to participate in this research study if you:

• are aged 18 years or over
• are a regular caffeine consumer
• have three or more months experience playing FPS games using mouse and keyboard controls
• currently play ranked mode in an FPS game (e.g. Overwatch, Apex Legends, CS:GO).

Please access the online screening form, and read the Participant Information Sheet for the full eligibility criteria.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation involves completing three online familiarisation sessions, followed by three testing sessions in our games research lab located at the QUT Gardens Point campus.

Practice sessions (online)

• Three sessions held over three consecutive days.
• Play two shooting tasks on the KovaaK's Aim Trainer 20 times each.
• 45-60 minutes in duration each.

Testing sessions (QUT)

• Three sessions separated by 2-4 days.
• Complete four rounds of testing including two KovaaK's shooting tasks, a simple reaction time test, and ratings of how you feel.
• Consume either one of two doses of caffeine (1 or 3 mg/kg body weight), or a water control.
• 2.5-3 hours in duration each.

Please access the online screening form, and read the Participant Information Sheet for the full study details and requirements.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

The following minimal risks have been identified for this study:

• There is a risk of inconvenience by taking up ~10 hours of your personal time over the duration of this study should you choose to participate.
• It is also possible you could experience a side effect of caffeine supplementation, such as increased levels of anxiety, heart rate or gastrointestinal disturbance. However, the likelihood of these effects occurring are minimal and will be mitigated through participant screening of individuals who are known, or likely, to experience such side effects. Caffeine is a readily available substance and is commonly consumed as a normal daily function for most people, and at the doses given in this study, the researchers estimate the risk of side effects as low.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will benefit you directly because it will help gain an understanding of how caffeine may be used to improve your shooting performance in FPS games. The outcomes of the research may also benefit the future of research in the field of esports and video games, and as a result may provide benefit to other individuals and teams. You can request a brief summary of the outcomes of the study by checking a box on the consent form and providing an email address.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To acknowledge your participation in this study, you will receive:

• A free copy of all current + future Valve games via the Valve Friends and Family Complimentary Steam key.
• A free copy of the KovaaK's FPS Aim Trainer.
• A chance to win 1 of 2 $100 JB Hi-Fi vouchers
• An understanding of how caffeine influences your shooting performance in FPS games.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Please access the Online Screening Form and enter the code EMAKHLKTH. Please read the Participant Information Sheet on the first page to ensure you understand the full study details and requirements. If you wish to participate, you can complete the online screening form to express your interest. You will then be contacted by Ethan to confirm your eligibility.