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Serious Games to Cope with the Genetic
i “thesis_A4” — 2018/12/20 — 12:35 — page 1 — #1 i i i Dipartimento di Informatica “Giovanni Degli Antoni” Doctoral Programme in Computer Science SERIOUS GAMES TO COPE WITH THE GENETIC TEST REVOLUTION Doctoral Dissertation of: Renato Mainetti Supervisor: Prof. N.Alberto Borghese Tutor: PhD Serena Oliveri The Chair of the Doctoral Program: Prof. Paolo Boldi Year 2018 – Cycle XXXI i i i i i “thesis_A4” — 2018/12/20 — 12:35 — page 2 — #2 i i i i i i i i “thesis_A4” — 2018/12/20 — 12:35 — page 1 — #3 i i i Acknowledgements Financial support: This work is supported by the project Mind the Risk from The Swedish Foundation for Humanities and Social Sciences, which had no influence on the content of this thesis. Grant nr. M13-0260:1 1 i i i i i “thesis_A4” — 2018/12/20 — 12:35 — page 2 — #4 i i i This research was carried out under the supervision of Prof.ssa Gabriella Pravettoni and Prof. N. Alberto Borghese. I wish to thank them for the great opportunity they gave me, allowing me to be part of the Mind the Risk project. It has been a wonderful experience and I am grateful for the trust I was given in conducting my research. I wish to thank all the people involved in the MTR project, with which I had the pleasure to work and especially Serena, Ilaria and Alessandra. Many thanks also go to Silvia and Daria for the help in collecting additional data. I wish to thank all the people who helped, participating in the test experiments. -
Matheus Lima Cunha Desenvolvimento De Um Jogo Do
Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Matemática e Estatística Bachalerado em Ciência da Computação Matheus Lima Cunha Desenvolvimento de um jogo do gênero Metroidvania com geração procedural de mapas. São Paulo Dezembro de 2020 Desenvolvimento de um jogo do gênero Metroidvania com geração procedural de mapas. Monografia final da disciplina MAC0499 – Trabalho de Formatura Supervisionado. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ricardo Nakamura São Paulo Dezembro de 2020 Agradecimentos Gostaria de agradecer minha família que sempre cuidou de mim e me motivou a seguir meus sonhos. Thalia Laura por me ajudar com a parte visual do jogo e, mais importante, nos momentos difíceis.Por fim, meu orientador, Ricardo Nakamura, por me orientar mesmo observando muitos outros alunos. i Resumo Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um jogo do gênero metroidvania aplicando-se técnicas de geração procedural de conteúdo na criação do mapa. Essa ideia vêm da suposição que essas técnicas, pouco usadas em jogos do gênero, possam contribuir positivamente para a experiencia: beneficiando sensação de exploração (uma das principais características do gê- nero metroidvania) e estimulariam que o usuário os jogue novamente após ter terminado a historia. O desenvolvimento foi feito em três etapas: criação do jogo base, estudo de al- goritmos e implementação do gerador. As primeiras versões serviram para fundamentar as principais mecânicas de jogo, sem o uso de geração procedural. Após um estudo de diferen- tes algoritmos, as melhores foram implementadas no protótipo final. As avaliações indicam interesse e divertimento da maior parte dos usuários do protótipo final. Próximos passos para este trabalho incluem a melhoria do sistema de combate do jogo como também testes com diferentes algoritmos de geração. -
Analyzing Stealth Games with Distractions
Proceedings, The Twelfth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE-16) Analyzing Stealth Games with Distractions Alexander Borodovski and Clark Verbrugge School of Computer Science McGill University Montreal,´ Quebec,´ Canada [email protected], [email protected] Abstract and when and where the guard was at that point. This re- duces the combinatorial explosion in state space to a man- The ability to distract opponents is a key mechanic in many ageable branching of game states, even if the branch points stealth games. Existing search-based approaches to stealth must still be detected dynamically. To make search in this analysis, however, focus entirely on solving the non-detection space efficient we then extend the main Rapidly Exploring problem, for which they rely on static, ahead-of-time models of guard movements that do not depend on player interaction. Random Tree (RRT) search algorithm, applying multiple op- In this work we extend and optimize an approach based on timizations that improve performance without overly stress- heuristic search of stealth games to model variation in guard ing the resource requirements beyond that of a basic non- paths as dynamically triggered by player actions. Our design detection search. Implementation of this design in Unity3D is expressive, accommodating different distraction designs, shows feasibility, and we demonstrate that we can solve including remote activation and time delays. Using a Unity3D both relatively simple distraction puzzles typical of modern implementation, we show our enhanced search can solve dis- games, and much more complex designs involving compo- traction puzzles found in real games, as well as more com- sition of multiple distractions. -
The Resurrection of Permadeath: an Analysis of the Sustainability of Permadeath Use in Video Games
The Resurrection of Permadeath: An analysis of the sustainability of Permadeath use in Video Games. Hugh Ruddy A research paper submitted to the University of Dublin, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Interactive Digital Media 2014 Declaration I declare that the work described in this research paper is, except where otherwise stated, entirely my own work and has not been submitted as an exercise for a degree at this or any other university. Signed: ___________________ Hugh Ruddy 28th February 2014 Permission to lend and/or copy I agree that Trinity College Library may lend or copy this research Paper upon request. Signed: ___________________ Hugh Ruddy 28th February 2014 Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to study the the past, present and future use of Permadeath in video games. The emergence of Permadeath games in recent months has exposed the mainstream gaming population to the concept of the permanent death of the game avatar, a notion that has been vehemently avoided by game developers in the past. The paper discusses the many incarnations of Permadeath that have been implemented since the dawn of video games, and uses examples to illustrate how gamers are crying out for games to challenge them in a unique way. The aims of this are to highlight the potential that Permadeath has in the gaming world to become a genre by itself, as well as to give insights into the ways in which gamers play Permadeath games at the present. To carry out this research, the paper examines the motivation players have to play games from a theoretical standpoint, and investigates how the possibilty of failure in video games should not be something gamers stay away from. -
The Development and Validation of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (Guess)
THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE GAME USER EXPERIENCE SATISFACTION SCALE (GUESS) A Dissertation by Mikki Hoang Phan Master of Arts, Wichita State University, 2012 Bachelor of Arts, Wichita State University, 2008 Submitted to the Department of Psychology and the faculty of the Graduate School of Wichita State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy May 2015 © Copyright 2015 by Mikki Phan All Rights Reserved THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE GAME USER EXPERIENCE SATISFACTION SCALE (GUESS) The following faculty members have examined the final copy of this dissertation for form and content, and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Psychology. _____________________________________ Barbara S. Chaparro, Committee Chair _____________________________________ Joseph Keebler, Committee Member _____________________________________ Jibo He, Committee Member _____________________________________ Darwin Dorr, Committee Member _____________________________________ Jodie Hertzog, Committee Member Accepted for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences _____________________________________ Ronald Matson, Dean Accepted for the Graduate School _____________________________________ Abu S. Masud, Interim Dean iii DEDICATION To my parents for their love and support, and all that they have sacrificed so that my siblings and I can have a better future iv Video games open worlds. — Jon-Paul Dyson v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Althea Gibson once said, “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” Thus, completing this long and winding Ph.D. journey would not have been possible without a village of support and help. While words could not adequately sum up how thankful I am, I would like to start off by thanking my dissertation chair and advisor, Dr. -
The Craft of the Adventure
The Craft of the Adventure Five articles on the design of adventure games Second edition 1 Intro duction :: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: ::2 2 In The Beginning ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: ::: 3 3 Bill of Player's Rights : ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: :7 4 A Narrative... ::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :: 12 5 ...AtWar With a Crossword : : :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: :: 21 6 Varnish and Veneer : ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: :::: ::: :::: ::: :::: ::32 1 1 Intro duction 1 Intro duction Skill without imagination is craftsmanship and gives us many useful ob jects such as wickerwork picnic baskets. Imagination without skill gives us mo dern art. {Tom Stoppard, Artist Descending A Staircase Making b o oks is a skilled trade, like making clo cks. { Jean de la Bruy ere 1645-1696 If you're going to have a complicated story you must work to a map; otherwise you'll never make a map of it afterwards. {J.R.R.Tolkien 1892-1973 Designing an adventure game is b oth an art and a craft. Whereas art cannot be taught, only commented up on, craft at least can be handed down: but the tricks of the trade do not make an elegant narrative, only a catalogue. This small collection of essays is just such a string of grits of wisdom and half-baked critical opinions, whichmaywell leave the reader feeling unsatis ed. One can only say to such a reader that any book claiming to reveal the secret of how to paint, or to write novels, should be recycled at once into something more genuinely artistic, say a papier-mach e sculpture. If there is any theme here, it is that standards count: not just of comp etent co ding, but of writing. -
Navigating the Videogame
From above, from below: navigating the videogame A thesis presented by Daniel Golding 228306 to The School of Culture and Communication in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in the field of Cultural Studies in the School of Culture and Communication The University of Melbourne Supervisor: Dr. Fran Martin October 2008 ABSTRACT The study of videogames is still evolving. While many theorists have accurately described aspects of the medium, this thesis seeks to move the study of videogames away from previously formal approaches and towards a holistic method of engagement with the experience of playing videogames. Therefore, I propose that videogames are best conceptualised as navigable, spatial texts. This approach, based on Michel de Certeau’s concept of strategies and tactics, illuminates both the textual structure of videogames and the immediate experience of playing them. I also regard videogame space as paramount. My close analysis of Portal (Valve Corporation, 2007) demonstrates that a designer can choose to communicate rules and fiction, and attempt to influence the behaviour of players through strategies of space. Therefore, I aim to plot the relationship between designer and player through the power structures of the videogame, as conceived through this new lens. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1 AN EVOLVING FIELD 2 LUDOLOGY AND NARRATOLOGY 3 DEFINITIONS, AND THE NAVIGABLE TEXT 6 PLAYER EXPERIENCE AND VIDEOGAME SPACE 11 MARGINS OF DISCUSSION 13 CHAPTER TWO: The videogame from above: the designer as strategist 18 PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY 18 PORTAL AND THE STRATEGIES OF DESIGN 20 STRUCTURES OF POWER 27 RAILS 29 CHAPTER THREE: The videogame from below: the player as tactician 34 THE PLAYER AS NAVIGATOR 36 THE PLAYER AS SUBJECT 38 THE PLAYER AS BRICOLEUR 40 THE PLAYER AS GUERRILLA 43 CHAPTER FOUR: Conclusion 48 BIBLIOGRAPHY 50 iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. -
Juho Kahilaa, Satu Piispa-Hakalaa, Sanni Kahilaa, Teemu Valtonena, Henriikka Vartiainena and Matti Tedrea
Juho Kahilaa, Satu Piispa-Hakalaa, Sanni Kahilaa, Teemu Valtonena, Henriikka Vartiainena and Matti Tedrea a University of Eastern Finland / IT Services, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland manifestations of their content analysis. The results show that children explain their own in-game failures, incompetence of teammates, and technical problems as the main reasons for their gamer rage, and they express their rage verbally, physically, and by quitting. This article is the first attempt general. digital games, gamer rage, rage quitting, self-regulation, emotions concern, as some studies have found children playing digital games to behave more aggressively than their peers [10]. Aggressive Digital games, as an affective media, can behavior has often been associated with violent make players feel and generate various game content [11], although, according to emotional responses [1]. Games have been Ferguson [12], those results remain debatable. extensively studied from the perspective of Conversely, playing digital games has also emotions [2], and they have been shown to been suggested to support the development of provide positive emotions such as enjoyment self-regulating skills [13], and digital games and pleasure [3, 1], tools for mood management have been used as a tool for learning emotion [4], and meaningful experiences for their regulation skills [14]. Also, children themselves players [5]. Meaningful gaming experiences are have reported improved self-regulation skills, sought, for example, in games evoking strong such as frustration tolerance, by playing digital and intensive emotions, such as horror games games [15]. Rage induced by digital games, [6] and permadeath games, in which in-game gamer rage, has also become entertainment in death of a playable character is permanent [7, itself. -
Permadeath in Dayz
Fear, Loss and Meaningful Play: Permadeath in DayZ Marcus Carter, Digital Cultures Research Group, The University of Sydney; Fraser Allison, Microsoft Research Centre for Social NUI, The University of Melbourne Abstract This article interrogates player experiences with permadeath in the massively multiplayer online first-person shooter DayZ. Through analysing the differences between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ instances of permadeath, we argue that meaningfulness – in accordance with Salen & Zimmerman’s (2003) concept of meaningful play – is a critical requirement for positive experiences with permadeath. In doing so, this article suggests new ontologies for meaningfulness in play, and demonstrates how meaningfulness can be a useful lens through which to understand player experiences with negatively valanced play. We conclude by relating the appeal of permadeath to the excitation transfer effect (Zillmann 1971), drawing parallels between the appeal of DayZ and fear-inducing horror games such as Silent Hill and gratuitously violent and gory games such as Mortal Kombat. Keywords DayZ, virtual worlds, meaningful play, player experience, excitation transfer, risk play Introduction It's truly frightening, like not game-frightening, but oh my god I'm gonna die-frightening. Your hands starts shaking, your hands gets sweaty, your heart pounds, your mind is racing and you're a wreck when it's all over. There are very few games that – by default – feature permadeath as significantly and totally as DayZ (Bohemia Interactive 2013). A new character in this massively multiplayer online first- person shooter (MMOFPS) begins with almost nothing, and must constantly scavenge from the harsh zombie-infested virtual world to survive. A persistent emotional tension accompanies the requirement to constantly find food and water, and a player will celebrate the discovery of simple items like backpacks, guns and medical supplies. -
Console Games in the Age of Convergence
Console Games in the Age of Convergence Mark Finn Swinburne University of Technology John Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3122 Australia +61 3 9214 5254 mfi [email protected] Abstract In this paper, I discuss the development of the games console as a converged form, focusing on the industrial and technical dimensions of convergence. Starting with the decline of hybrid devices like the Commodore 64, the paper traces the way in which notions of convergence and divergence have infl uenced the console gaming market. Special attention is given to the convergence strategies employed by key players such as Sega, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, and the success or failure of these strategies is evaluated. Keywords Convergence, Games histories, Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft INTRODUCTION Although largely ignored by the academic community for most of their existence, recent years have seen video games attain at least some degree of legitimacy as an object of scholarly inquiry. Much of this work has focused on what could be called the textual dimension of the game form, with works such as Finn [17], Ryan [42], and Juul [23] investigating aspects such as narrative and character construction in game texts. Another large body of work focuses on the cultural dimension of games, with issues such as gender representation and the always-controversial theme of violence being of central importance here. Examples of this approach include Jenkins [22], Cassell and Jenkins [10] and Schleiner [43]. 45 Proceedings of Computer Games and Digital Cultures Conference, ed. Frans Mäyrä. Tampere: Tampere University Press, 2002. Copyright: authors and Tampere University Press. Little attention, however, has been given to the industrial dimension of the games phenomenon. -
Exploring Co-Creation Experience and Value in the Video Game Industry: How Gamers Create Value Through a Rule Changing Online Game That Has No Rules
Exploring co-creation experience and value in the video game industry: how gamers create value through a rule changing online game that has no rules Author: Jamie Lee Jo Grohn University of Twente P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede The Netherlands ABSTRACT Purpose/ Gap – With the shift from goods- to service-dominant logic, it is crucial to effectively enable value co-creation through suitable value propositions. Formulating value propositions includes insights on the customer’s preferences, capabilities, and expectations, which can be obtained through the customer’s co- creation experiences, since they are the foundation of value. However, there is a limited amount of research in this area, especially from the customer’s perspective. In order to close this knowledge gap and successfully facilitate value co-creation, the aim of this study is to explore the nature of value co-creation through the customers’ co-creation experiences and their implied determinants. This is done through a case study on the online video game Minecraft, due to its open innovation-friendly environment, allowing for a wide range of co-creation options. Methodology – Data was obtained through a netnographic approach in community forums and video platform. A total of 84 threads and 169 posts within 6 forums, as well as 23 videos have been selected and analyzed. Findings – Four distinct areas of value co-creation have been identified in the game, which enable personalized experiences and values. The game’s technological and connective environment, the customer’s role readiness, and the nature of interaction shape co-creation experiences. Additionally, evidence indicates that co-created value is not only generated through a developer-to-gamer relationship, but also between gamer- to-gamer relationships with the developer as facilitator. -
14. Riddle Machines: the History and Nature of Interactive Fiction
Nick Montfort Riddle Machines: The History and Nature of Interactive Fiction 14. Riddle Machines: The History and Nature of Interactive Fiction Nick Montfort Introduction The genre that has also been labeled "text adventure" and "text game" is stereotypically thought to offer dungeons, dragons, and the ability for readers to choose their own adventure. While there may be dragons here, interactive fiction (abbreviated "IF") also offers utopias, revenge plays, horrors, parables, intrigues, and codework, and pieces in this form resound with and rework Gilgamesh, Shakespeare, and Eliot as well as Tolkien. The reader types in phrases to participate in a dialogue with the system, commanding a character with writing. Beneath this surface conversation, and determining what the computer narrates, there is the machinery of a simulated world, capable of drawing the reader into imagining new perspectives and understanding strange systems. Interactive fiction works can be challenging for literary readers, even those interested in other sorts of electronic literature, because of the text-based interface and because of the way in which these works require detailed exploration, mapping, and solution. Works in this form are often less visually rewarding, and the rewards they do offer are only attained with time and effort. But text-based interactive fiction has provided some of the most the intricate and compelling literary simulations yet developed. Understanding how interactive fiction works, and how it has developed over the past three decades, is an essential part of the puzzle of literary computing. Characteristics of interactive fiction Formally, a work of interactive fiction (often called a "game," even if it does not exhibit the typical qualities of a game) is an interactive computer program.