---
key: mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01
type: mechanic
id: electronic-devices--family-g01
lang: en
title: Handling the device
summary: >-
  The player holds and aims a device at an object to act in the game world. The
  tool’s placement affects the information available.
updatedAt: '2026-10-22'
status: active
url: >-
  https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01/
jsonUrl: >-
  https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01.json
markdownUrl: >-
  https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01.md
aliases: []
tags:
  - Electronic devices in games
  - Device
sourceIds:
  - source-4e22a7f341a5d0ce
sources:
  - id: source-4e22a7f341a5d0ce
    title: Subnautica
    url: 'https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/'
    verifiedAt: null
relations: []
placements:
  - catalogId: electronic-devices
    id: family-g01
    title: Electronic devices in games
    url: 'https://gamemechanics.pro/en/mechanics/electronic-devices/#family-g01'
    categoryIds:
      - section-1
supersededBy: []
attributes:
  preview:
    updatedAt: '2026-10-22'
    title: Handling the device
    description: >-
      The player holds and aims a device at an object to act in the game world.
      The tool’s placement affects the information available.
    image:
      src: images/mechanics/subnautica-scanner.webp
      width: 1440
      height: 810
      game: Subnautica
      sourceUrl: 'https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/'
      originalUrl: >-
        https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/264710/ss_e182b6b20bb797500f9f63c561586d920d44e37c.1920x1080.jpg?t=1777456112
      credit: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
      rights: © Unknown Worlds Entertainment. All rights reserved.
      caption: The scanner is ready to examine a target
      alt: >-
        Subnautica: the right hand holds a scanner displaying READY TO SCAN,
        facing a fish and the underwater environment.
      markers:
        - x: 68
          'y': 64
          label: READY TO SCAN status display
        - x: 49
          'y': 54
          label: An object in front of the instrument
    tips:
      - Show the tool’s working distance and target area.
    examples:
      - title: Subnautica
        url: 'https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/'
endsAt: null
provenance: >-
  Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on
  2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are
  preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire
  classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and
  editorial review.
license: CC-BY-4.0
codeLicense: MIT
attribution: gamemechanics.pro contributors
catalogKey: catalog/electronic-devices
---
# Handling the device

id: electronic-devices--family-g01
type: mechanic
key: mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01
lang: en
status: active
url: https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/electronic-devices--family-g01/

The player holds and aims a device at an object to act in the game world. The tool’s placement affects the information available.

## At a glance

![Subnautica: the right hand holds a scanner displaying READY TO SCAN, facing a fish and the underwater environment.](https://gamemechanics.pro/images/mechanics/subnautica-scanner.webp)

[Subnautica](https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/) · © Unknown Worlds Entertainment. All rights reserved.

1. READY TO SCAN status display
2. An object in front of the instrument

- Show the tool’s working distance and target area.

- [Subnautica](https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/)

## How it works

Devices: Computer; Smartphone; Terminal; Device.

## Variants

### Variants and applications

<a id="family-g01-variants"></a>

- Find and pick up. Rule: Get a device with new features or someone else's data. <a id="variant-g01-01"></a>
- Inspect the body. Rule: Find markings, serial number, connectors and signs of damage. <a id="variant-g01-02"></a>
- Unfold and open. Rule: Open the laptop, slide out the keyboard or rotate the screen to access... <a id="variant-g01-03"></a>
- Post to the world. Rule: Place the camera, sensor or laptop where it can work... <a id="variant-g01-04"></a>
- Hold when using. Rule: Keep your hands busy with the device and limit other character actions. <a id="variant-g01-05"></a>
- Pass it on to someone else. Rule: Give the device to an NPC or partner along with access and information. <a id="variant-g01-06"></a>
- Keep the device intact. Rule: Deliver fragile electronics avoiding water, shock or other damage. <a id="variant-g01-07"></a>

## Context and limits

Author's taxonomy of actions, task forms and end-to-end conditions for design. Categories overlap. References support individual families, not every variant.

## Connected materials


## Sources and provenance

Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on 2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and editorial review.

- [Subnautica](https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/) (id: source-4e22a7f341a5d0ce)

CC-BY-4.0 · gamemechanics.pro contributors