Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people turning to their smartphones for entertainment. However, one question that often arises is which finger is best for mobile gaming. In fact, it turns out that many mobile gamers are not using the right fingers for gaming. According to recent reports from experts, if you use your thumb for gaming, then you are wrong. The report from experts recommends the use of the index finger for gaming because it gives gamers many advantages over relying solely on their thumb. Candy Crush carried out a survey of 2,016 Britons and the result reveals that the younger generation prefers their thumb for gaming. The report claims that the index finger has advantages over the thumb because it offers higher precision and lower accidental moves.
Best Finger for Mobile Gaming
Methodology of Candy Crush survey
Candy Crush is a popular game and according to The Guardian, it has millions of players. The survey used an in-app questionnaire for users that were willing to partake in the survey in Britain. The survey questions include information on the following
- Player’s age
- Preferred playing finger
- Current game level
- How often do user play
- How many average wins per day
- How often do users face accidental touch
From the response to these questions, Candy Crush was able to make a calculated deduction as shown below
The Thumb
A report from Nypost reveals that the thumb is the most commonly used finger for mobile gaming. This is because it is the most accessible finger and can easily reach all areas of the screen. According to a survey conducted by Candy Crush, 80% of Generation Zers and 67% of Millennials use their thumbs to scroll through their mobile phones. This is likely due to the fact that most people hold their phones with one hand, making the thumb the most convenient finger to use.
The Index Finger
While the thumb is the most commonly used finger for mobile gaming, some gamers prefer to use their index finger. This is because according to Daily Mail, PerthNow and several posts on Reddit, the index finger is more precise than the thumb and can be used for more complex actions such as tapping and swiping. In fact, some games are designed with the index finger in mind. For example, in the game Mortal Kombat X, some players use their index and middle fingers to perform the “running man legs” move.
Therese Sander, a Level Design Expert for Candy Crush Saga said ‘The index finger offers superior precision and dexterity due to its larger range of motion and length – otherwise known as the index flex,’. She added ‘This enhanced control enables you to execute complex manoeuvres, tap small targets more accurately and reduce the chance of accidental moves.’
According to the survey, 73 per cent of 59 – 77-year-olds opt to use their index finger when gaming with their mobile device. Ms Sander concludes that the older generation has the right idea for mobile gaming. She explains further
‘While the thumb remains useful for certain tasks on mobile devices, we’ve noticed the index finger is the preference for some of our top players, including a number of Candy Crush All Stars finalists,’
The Middle Finger
The middle finger is not commonly used for mobile gaming. However, it can be useful for certain actions such as swiping. In a youtube video tutorial by GamePlays365 on how to swipe in the game Tennis Clash, the player uses their middle finger to make the swipe. However, this is not a common practice and most gamers prefer to use their thumbs or index fingers.
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Expert Advice
According to an article on Mobile Free To Play, it is best to have the swipe mechanic in the center of the screen. This area is harder to reach by the thumb, and the player will swap to an index finger. This suggests that the index finger is the best finger for more complex actions such as swiping.
Also, Ms Sander advises that the index finger gives better precision and reduces the chances of accidental touches. Thus, it is best to use the index finger for gaming on a mobile device. Although the index finger seems to get the nod of experts, it has its pros and cons as shown below
Pros of using the index finger for mobile gaming:
- Superior precision and dexterity due to its size.
- Can be useful for more complex actions such as tapping and swiping.
Cons of using the index finger for mobile gaming:
- It is not the most accessible finger and may require more effort to reach all areas of the screen
- It may not be as comfortable to use for extended periods of time as the thumb
- It may not be the best finger for certain games
Reasons behind the preference for the index finger for mobile gaming
Regarding the preferred finger for gaming, there have been several reports from game developers. CountryTelegraph, BristolPost and Nypost also report that the recommended finger for mobile gaming is the index finger.
According to these reports, the reason for this is that using the index finger gives gamers many advantages over relying solely on their thumb, such as better accuracy and control. Furthermore, the reports reveal that the index finger gives users more stability when holding the phone in their hands. According to WalesOnline, using the index finger can help prevent hand fatigue and cramping, as it allows for a more natural grip on the phone.
However, it is important to note that this only applies to certain games, especially those that need users to hold their phones in portrait. If you have to play certain games like football that require both hands, then you have no option but to use the thumb. Also, a game genre that requires users to hold their phones in the landscape will also have to use their thumbs because every other finger will be behind the phone.
Preventing Injuries
It is also important to add a piece of expert advice from The Hand and Wrist Institute. They warn that the continuous use of mobile phones can cause issues. These issues include repetitive stress injury, tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions are caused by gripping or clutching your phone for extended periods of time. To prevent these injuries, it is recommended to take frequent breaks and stretch your fingers and wrists regularly. The report said
‘If you must use your phone for work, school, or enjoy some time throughout the day to browse the web, it’s essential to try to prevent this pain from occurring in the first place … The main point here is to decrease the amount of pressure on your hands and refrain from repetitive motions.’
Conclusion
The thumb is the most commonly used finger for mobile gaming due to its accessibility. However, the index finger is more precise and can be useful for more complex actions such as tapping and swiping. The middle finger is not commonly used for mobile gaming. However, it can be useful for certain actions such as swiping. Ultimately, the best finger for mobile gaming depends on personal preference and the specific game being played. It is important to take breaks and stretch regularly to prevent injuries.
