Interface Devices
An interface device is a device that you interface with. It doesn't imply any kind of interaction, just interaction in general, as long as the device was made for interaction, which is pretty much every device, because the word device refers to a machine that performs a task (or multiple tasks), and for the machine to perform the task(s) on command, you need to be able to command it, so devices that you cannot interact with are either non - existent (because I can't think of one right now) or they are just the minority of devices. The word interface refers to the section on or in which interactions happen between it and something else, so the word interface, paired with the word devices, directly refers to devices and the sections on then that you can interact with, which means that it must be possible for a person to interact with the device.
Under this host of devices that you can interface with, is a picture of a computer, labeled with some of the ways you can interact with it -
Game Devices
HORI Fightstick vx
When the topic is interface devices, relating that to gaming brings the following devices and other devices like them into focus - Controller, touch screen, joystick and so on. Let's go through some devices and talk about how they are interface devices and what makes them interface devices.
What makes it an interface device?
This is a HORI fightstick vx. It is essentially a controller, which makes it an interface device, because it is the part of the device that hosts the interface things that you interact with. Such as the stick itself and the buttons. These are the things you interact with by pushing them around and pressing them.
What it's good at
This particular interface device might be used in place of a controller for fighting games. Fighting games is what these kinds of controllers (arcade sticks/fight sticks) were made for, they simulate an old arcade machine, (but higher quality) so that it's both easier, and more fun to play fighting games. With a fightstick you are able to use more fingers at the same time on the things that you need and are given more freedom to move the stick around and it is easier to do because you have a whole hand dedicated to movement rather than just a thumb.
Scuf Controller
This is a scuf controller, the fightstick was specifically made and used for fighting games, these are used in shooting games. They are specially tailored to them, and one of the features that makes it easier to play shooters with is with the paddles you see on the back. They are there so that you don't have to take your thumb off of the right stick in order to press the X, Y, A or B button (If you are on the Xbox)(which would be square, triangle, cross (X) and circle buttons on a Playstation) there are plenty of other optional things, such as more grippy textures of controller, and extensions to the height of the sticks so that you can make more precise movements because it is easier to make small alterations, but you can still keep it on the highest sensitivity, so it is possible for you to turn around the fastest.
T.V Screen
What is this? And why is it an interface device
This thing (with the parrots on it) is a screen. It is an interface device, because it is a device that you interact with (mostly) by looking at it (you can also control some things with a T.V remote, such as the volume and settings of the display itself).
Why is it needed for gaming? (what makes it special)
You need some kind of screen for gaming, you don't necessarily need a gigantic OLED curved screen with a model next to it... but it might be more enjoyable that way. Fight sticks are for fighting games, scuf controllers are for shooting games, what does a big curved OLED T.V screen work best with? A big screen like that may not be the best for a shooter, or high action skill based game, but it will work much better for a theatrical story driven game, or the story part of a game. The size of the screen makes it easier for you to immerse yourself into the world the screen is presenting.