In a groundbreaking discovery, NTT Corporation, a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider has identified neural oscillation patterns that are closely linked to the outcomes of esports matches, achieving prediction accuracy of approximately 80%. This innovative research marks a significant advancement in understanding the brain’s role in competitive performance and opens new avenues for individualized mental conditioning.Key Findings:Patterns in Pre-Match EEG Linked to Outcomes: Specific neural oscillations were found to be strongly associated with match results.High Accuracy in Predicting Match Outcomes: Including the prediction of upsets, the research achieved an 80% accuracy rate.Potential for Personalized Mental Conditioning: Insights from neural oscillation patterns can be used to optimize brain states for improved performance.Figure: Pre-round EEG correlates with match outcomes in fighting video game.The Research JourneyNTT’s Communication Science Laboratories have long focused on how the brain regulates mind and body to enhance individual capabilities. Athletes, especially, strive to reach optimal mental states under competition pressure, a practice known as mental conditioning. Despite advancements in sports analytics, accurately predicting outcomes of “similar-level matches” or “upsets” has remained elusive.Breakthrough in EsportsBy focusing on a fighting video game in esports, researchers could observe and analyze players’ brain states during matches using electroencephalography (EEG). This method allowed for the identification of pre-match brain activity patterns strongly linked to winning or losing. Esports, a rapidly growing field, provides a unique opportunity to study these brain patterns due to its emphasis on mental over physical skill.Discovery of Brain Activity PatternsThe study measured the neural oscillations of skilled esports players during real competition conditions. Results indicated that left frontal gamma oscillations, related to strategic decision-making, and left frontal alpha oscillations, associated with emotional control, were significantly increased in winning matches. These findings highlight the brain’s critical role in determining competitive outcomes and suggest that certain neural states can predict success.Predicting Match Outcomes with High AccuracyMachine learning models trained on pre-match EEG data were constructed to predict match outcomes. These models achieved an 80% accuracy rate, outperforming traditional models based on past match data. The high predictive accuracy was consistent for both similar-level matches and upsets. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of EEG-based predictions in fields where traditional data analytics fall short.Implications for Mental Conditioning and Performance EnhancementThis research not only reveals the existence of an ideal brain state in competitive situations but also suggests that mental conditioning based on bio-information can enhance performance across various fields such as sports, healthcare, and education. By understanding and optimizing the brain states associated with peak performance, individuals can improve their outcomes in high-pressure environments.Applications Beyond EsportsThe implications of this research extend far beyond esports. The ability to predict performance based on brain activity can be applied to traditional sports, where mental conditioning plays a crucial role. In healthcare, understanding brain patterns associated with optimal performance can aid in the treatment of mental health conditions. In education, insights from this research can help develop techniques to improve learning and cognitive performance.Future Research DirectionsNTT Corporation plans to continue exploring the applications of neural oscillation patterns in various fields. Future research will focus on refining the prediction models and expanding their use to other competitive environments. Additionally, the potential for transferring skills through digital twin computing represents an exciting avenue for further investigation.The Digital Twin ConceptThe digital twin concept involves creating a virtual representation of an individual’s brain state, which can be used to transfer skills and knowledge. By digitizing the brain states of experts, this technology can facilitate skill transfer and training in various fields. This approach has the potential to revolutionize how we learn and acquire new skills, making advanced training more accessible and efficient.Enhancing Well-Being Through Bio-InformationNTT Corporation aims to enhance well-being by using bio-information-based mental conditioning techniques. By providing feedback on optimal brain states, individuals can learn to manage stress and improve their performance in various aspects of life. This approach aligns with the broader goal of improving mental health and cognitive function through innovative technological solutions.ConclusionNTT Corporation’s pioneering work in identifying neural patterns linked to esports match outcomes represents a significant leap forward in both neuroscience and competitive gaming. By harnessing these insights, there is potential to revolutionize mental conditioning and performance optimization in multiple domains. As research continues, the applications of this technology will expand, offering new opportunities to enhance human capabilities and well-being.The discovery of neural oscillation patterns associated with competitive performance opens new possibilities for understanding and improving the brain’s role in various activities. With continued research and development, these findings could lead to significant advancements in mental conditioning, skill transfer, and overall performance enhancement across a wide range of fields.
