Investigating Osu!: Exploring a Community who Exhibit Extreme Input Performance

We study “Osu!”, a popular fast-paced rhythm game that is developed and organized by a large community. Of particular interest is how it requires very precise movements that push the limits of spatial and temporal precision and that players use a variety of input devices. Interviews were conducted with 20 members of the Osu! community, including top-ranked players, recreational players, as well as game-level designers and event organizers. Additionally, the creator and lead developer was interviewed, providing authoritative insights into the game and community. The results reveal findings about players, mapping practices, adopted strategies, personalized input setups, and community engagement. These provide insights into an under-explored game and players that demonstrate extreme dexterous ability, offering a foundation for future research on input devices and the development of input performance.