Aspects Of Game Research Articles

Computer games as a subject of psychological research – negative and positive aspects of gaming

Computer games are an interactive form of entertainment that is popular with younger and younger players. Therefore researchers are actively seeking information on the consequences of pursuing this type of pastime. At the beginning, the researchers’ attention was focused mainly on the negative aspects of gaming. Nowadays, more and more benefits related to this activity are being indicated. In 2014, Granic, Lobel and Engels published an article on the benefits of playing computer games. The researchers focused on four areas: cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social. They wanted to inspire new research on mental health benefits of gaming by pointing to various research reports they selected. This paper aims to present the research directions explored in recent years by researchers who strive to describe the positive and negative consequences of gaming. I present the main directions and examples of research in these areas, highlighting the ambiguity of the current results. Problematic areas related to gaming include aggression and violence, addiction, weakening of social relations, experiencing undesirable emotions, sexualization, racial prejudice, and racial discrimination. The indicated opportunities and benefits are the strengthening of cognitive, motor, emotional, and social competences.

The Importance of Handball in the Development of High School Pupils

The aim of the research consists of identifying the opinions of pupils, parents, and teachers from high-school education institutions on the main aspects of the handball game within physical education and sports lessons and training. The present research is of ascertaining – ameliorative type, carried out on a sample of 110 people (pupils, parents, and specialized teachers) from four educational institutions in Campulung Moldovenesc, Romania: National College «Dragos Voda», Bucovina Forest College, National Military College «Stefan Cel Mare» and Technological High School no.1, between February 1, 2022, and September 1, 2022. The methods used in the research included: the analysis of the specialized literature, the diagnosis questionnaire, and the mathematical-statistical method. The main conclusions of the study refer to the benefits of the handball game, its role in the morpho-functional development of the pupils, the level of motivation of the pupils to practice this game within the physical education and sports lessons, as well as outside the hours, within the handball high school team.

Arm Muscle Power, Agility, and Chets Pass Ability in Basketball: Is there a Connection?

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. A basketball player needs to have cardiovascular power to run up and down the court from time to time during four-quarters of a game, but players must also be able to perform explosive bursts of speed, explosive jumps, and explosive moves for agility, over time. Arm muscle power is one of the things needed by basketball players to be able to pass well, because basketball players rely on attributes related to strength to perform basi c techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between arm muscle power and agility to basketball chest pass ability. The method used in this study was correlational, the sample in this study was 33 male students Haluoleo University Physical Education study program. Instruments used to measure arm muscle power with two-hand medicine ball put, instruments to measure agility with shutlle run tests, and chest pass ability test instruments using chest pass ability tests. The data analysis technique used in this study used product moment correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis using SPSS 26. The results of this study are known to have a positive relationship between arm muscle power and chest pass ability in students of 0.414 with a significance value of 0.016. As for the agility variable, it has no relationship with chest pass ability of 0.054 with a significance value of 0.766. The relationship of Arm Muscle Power and Agility to Chest Pass Ability has a correlation value of 0.417 with a significance value of 0.057. This means that there is a relationship between Arm Muscle Power and Agility to Chest Pass Ability, but it is not significant. The two independent variables together affect the dependent variable by 17.4%. The conclusion of this study is that it can be concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between arm muscle power and students' chest pass ability. The success of doing a chest pass is to use the strength of the arm muscles so that the ball moves. This means that the better the strength of the player's arm muscles, the faster the ball will move. The strength needed to perform this chest pass movement is obtained from the strength of the muscles in the arm. If done well and systematically, it will affect the ability of chest passes in basketball. While there is no relationship between agility and chest pass ability, speed remains an important component of basketball. Based on this, a good exercise program is needed to increase arm muscle power so that chest pass ability can increase, besides that it is also necessary to include an agility training program to support all aspects of the basketball game.

Prototyping Process and Usability Testing of a Serious Game for Brazilian Children With Type 1 Diabetes.

This study aims to describe the prototype development and testing of a serious game designed for Brazilian children with diabetes. Following an approach of user-centered design, the researchers assessed game's preferences and diabetes learning needs to develop a Paper Prototype. The gameplay strategies included diabetes pathophysiology, self-care tasks, glycemic management, and food group learning. Diabetes and technology experts (n = 12) tested the prototype during audio-recorded sessions. Next, they answered a survey to evaluate the content, organization, presentation, and educational game aspects. The prototype showed a high content validity ratio (0.80), with three items not achieving the critical values (0.66). Experts recommended improving the game content and food illustrations. This evaluation contributed to the medium-fidelity prototype version, which after testing with diabetes experts (n = 12) achieved high content validity values (0.88). One item did not meet the critical values. Experts suggested increasing the options of outdoor activities and meals. Researchers also observed and video-recorded children with diabetes (n = 5) playing the game with satisfactory interaction. They considered the game enjoyable. The interdisciplinary team plays an important role guiding the designers in the use of theories and real needs of children. Prototypes are a low-cost usability and a successful method for evaluating games.

Experience in Videogame Display: An Extension of the Matrix Model

Niklas Nylund argued that videogames lacked a coherent descriptive framework required to understand their complex position as museum artifacts. He proposed a matrix model consisting of three overlapping aspects of games display: objects, context, and experience. Although a starting point for exploring the role of videogames in museums, this required further detailed analysis. The present article extends the matrix model by exploring the area of ‘experience’, separating this aspect of display into three sub-categories: (a) playable experience, (b) collective experience, and (c) situational experience. These sub-categories of experience are discussed regarding videogame display in European museums. It is argued that this extended view of experience, rather than distracting from contextual information, is central to videogame display. Extending this category beyond playable games enables exhibitions to use the area of experience within a wider framework.

Exploration of Mathematical Concepts in Traditional Tek-Tekan Games

Exploration of mathematical concepts in traditional tek-tekan games is a form of student participation in acquiring knowledge directly. The purpose of this research is to find out the mathematical concepts contained in every aspect of traditional tek-tekan games starting from the aspects of the tools used, the players, the rules, and the stages or how to play . The research was conducted in class VII B MTsN 2 Konawe Selatan which was determined using a technique purposive sampling with consideration of the needs of this research where there are many students who have played tek-tekan. Data collection methods consist of observation, interviews , and documentation . The results of this study indicate that there is a mathematical concept in traditional tek-tekan games. These mathematical concepts include : a) comparison; b) distance, speed and time; c) numbers and number arithmetic operations; d) corner; e) building space; f) possible combination, which appears in the tools used, game techniques and how to play.

Game on: Notes on Language Learning Potentials Through MMORPGs’ Social and Motivational Dynamics

This paper explores the dynamic intersection between Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and second language learning, focusing on the intertwined elements of motivation and social interaction. Through a review of existing research, including works by Peterson (2010), Zheng et al. (2009), Thorne et al. (2009), and Sylvén and Sundqvist (2017, 2012), the paper highlights how MMORPGs provide immersive and authentic contexts for language practice. MMORPGs foster receptive and productive language skills by engaging players in complex linguistic exchanges and culturally rich narratives. The intrinsic motivational aspects of gaming and the social dynamics of MMORPGs create an engaging learning environment. However, the paper also acknowledges challenges such as cognitive overload, the use of informal language, the potential propagation of incorrect language use, and the possibility of negative social interactions. In conclusion, while MMORPGs offer innovative platforms for language learning, careful consideration of their opportunities and challenges is essential. The article calls for continued exploration and thoughtful implementation to fully harness the educational potential of MMORPGs in language education.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT

In this paper, we study the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of video games, with a focus on various aspects of AI application in this industry. In the introduction, we discuss both the development of video games and the role of AI systems in the user experience, defining the progression of AI’s role in video games. In the following section, we investigate how in-game entities and AI collaborate. Here, we analyze basic concepts such as Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) and how AI enhances their intelligence and reactivity in the game. The mechanisms of AI in video games are a crucial point of consideration in the next part of the paper. We explain how various AI techniques are used for decision-making, player tracking, and adapting the game to their actions. Furthermore, we explore the use of AI in video games beyond NPC control, examining examples such as procedurally generated worlds and player experience modeling. This application of AI contributes to a deeper and more dynamic player experience. In the modern application of AI in video games, we delve into advanced uses of machine learning and deep neural networks in game development. Here, we consider how AI is used for game personalization, user data analysis, and enhancing graphics and sound. Finally, we discuss the future of video games and the role of neural networks in their development. We predict the growth of AI in various aspects of games and how it will shape the future player experience. In conclusion, we assert that artificial intelligence has become an indispensable part of video game development, and its impact will inevitably expand in the future, enabling increasingly rich, dynamic, and personalized games for players worldwide.

The Cultural Impact of Video Games: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The growing relevance of video games in the social landscape requires an in-depth evaluation of the bidirectional influences of these adjacent contexts, among which the educational and cultural contexts stand out. This permeability allows the study of the cultural aspects surrounding the production and use of video games as tools for cultural dissemination. Our research enunciates, recognises, analyses and evaluates the impact of these tools with the aim of being taken into consideration by the scientific community and the general population, who most frequently consume, use and socialise through video games around the world. Based on this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out using the Prisma 2020 Protocol, using the WOS and SCOPUS databases as documentary sources, and the selection of research articles that explore the cultural aspects of video games according to pre-established criteria. The final sample (N = 45) was subjected to a study that posed 12 research questions around which this work is structured. As a result, it is evident that video games have a direct impact on the transmission of culture. Patterns and agents of cultural representation, transmission and communication were identified, allowing researchers to evaluate the impact of video games on culture and to approach this object of study from an academic perspective, helping to open up other lines of research related to the influence of video games on the assimilation of culture, the learning of relevant issues related to it or the transmission of specific cultural elements.

The Impact of Marketing Strategy on Consumers' Purchasing Decisions in the Computer Gaming Aspect

Video game marketing strategies, particularly concerning social media and E-sports culture, have become a focal point of contemporary research. Researchers have highlighted the potential and progress in utilizing these digital platforms to engage consumers and enhance game popularity. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific mechanics of how such strategies lead to commercial success and the extent to which they influence consumer behaviour. This study delves into the multifaceted dynamics shaping consumer behaviour in digital gaming. Drawing from the Cognitive Evaluation Theory, it explores how intrinsic motivations like autonomy and engagement drive consumer behaviour. It also examines innovative in-game purchase strategies, notably the Battle Pass and loot boxes, and their profound influence on player spending. Social media is scrutinized as a critical marketing tool, with user and expert reviews shaping purchase decisions. The importance of vibrant gaming communities and E-sports culture is highlighted, underlining their contribution to a game's cultural significance. Lastly, the study considers brand building in E-sports, shedding light on how renowned brands foster emotional bonds with consumers, ultimately securing loyalty and enhancing their market position. The goal is to provide industry players with a holistic understanding of the evolving digital gaming industry, aiding them in devising effective strategies to navigate this complex terrain.

CUSTOMIZING EXPERIENCES: EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES BEYOND GAME’S MECHANICS

Since the advent of the internet the gaming market has undergone a significant transformation, embracing global publishing and sales, as well as the exponential growth of online gaming. However, the appeal of this market extends beyond the games themselves, as it offers users immersive experiences not only as players but also as creators and customizers of their in-game characters. This research paper centres around the hypothesis that games have the potential to foster interaction and provide experiences that go beyond their mechanics and design, leveraging the customization options available to players. To explore this concept, an online survey was conducted, supported by a theoretical framework drawing from the fields of design, media, and psychology. The survey aimed to investigate the prevalence of customization practices, examining how players acquire customizations for games and how these personalization enhance their overall gaming experience. The findings underscored the significance of customization as a prominent aspect of gaming and revealed that players derive enjoyment from engaging in this activity, considering it an integral part of their gaming journey. These findings suggest that customization can serve as a valuable tool to enhance players' sense of attachment to the game universe.

Playful literacies and pedagogical priorities: digital games in the English classroom

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the characteristics of playful literacies in case study research examining digital games in secondary English classrooms. It analyzes how educators use play as a resource for meaning-making and the impacts of play on student learning.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a keyword search in relevant academic databases to identify articles within specified search parameters. This was followed by bibliographic branching to identify additional articles. Following the identification of 30 articles, two rounds of open coding were used to identify themes for analysis.FindingsThe literature revealed five types of playful pedagogical practices: single-player gameplay, turn-taking gameplay, multiplayer play, play-as-design and little or no gameplay. Discussion of these findings suggests that classroom play was a highly social activity across case studies. Furthermore, boundaries between types of play and their contributions to learning were blurred and often disrupted normative approaches to curriculum and teaching.Originality/valueGiven the novelty of replacing traditional texts with digital games in English classrooms, this study represents an important moment to pause and review the literature to date on a particular, understudied aspect of digital games in English curricula: their playfulness. This is especially important given the innovative ways in which digital play can shift thinking about meaning-making and narrative, two historically dominant concerns within the discipline of English.

Therapeutic Use of Video Games: Positive Aspects of Gaming In and Out of the Office

Therapeutic Use of Video Games: Positive Aspects of Gaming In and Out of the Office

PENGEMBANGAN GAME EDUCATION BERBASIS ADOBE FLASH PADA MATERI MENGENAL BINATANG PADA KURIKULUM MERDEKA DI TK NEGERI 01 SITIUNG

This research is motivated by several things that the researchers found in the initial observations. The purpose of this research is to produce a product in the form of an educational game introduction to educational games based on Adobe Flash on material about animals in an independent curriculum at TK Negeri 01 Sitiung that is valid, practical and effective. . The type of research used is Research and Development with the ADDIE model, namely the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The data collection instrument in this study was a questionnaire to test validity, practicality and effectiveness. The product validity test was carried out by 3 validators, namely the material validator, language validator and media validator. The practicality test was carried out by 4 class teachers and the effectiveness test was carried out on 6 students. The results of the analysis show that the Animal Introduction Educational Game developed based on the assessment of the media aspect of the Educational Game is in the "very valid" category based on the assessment of the material aspects including the "very valid category". and based on the assessment of the linguistic aspect included in the "very valid" category. The description of the practicality test data based on the teacher's view shows that the Educational Games made are included in the "very practical" category. The description of the effectiveness trial data on students shows that the Educational Games made are included in the very effective category. These results indicate that the Educational Game developed is suitable for use as a learning medium about animals in Sitiung 01 State Kindergarten.

The need for game-based learning methods to address cyber threats

Cyber security threats are increasingly a serious concern to organisations, with an annual worldwide cost of a trillion dollars in 2021. Potentially the most significant contributor to cyber security threats is the human element, yet this has typically been insufficiently addressed in proposed solutions. Significant resources have been allocated to software, training and other solutions designed to tackle this threat, yet existing methods to improve cyber security have failed to deliver the desired results. Commonly cited issues include the lack of engagement in training, leading to disinterest and a ‘one size fits all’ approach, meaning some groups benefit from training more than others. This study will examine the need for game-based training methods in addressing cyber security threats caused by human error. Game-based training methods have previously been proposed to improve engagement in training and this study will discuss other potential benefits of game-based training. The aim of this work is to justify the use of game-based training methods in cyber security and begin to determine which aspects of games may be most effective at causing long-term positive behaviour change. Following an extensive literature review, a pilot study was run in which a survey was presented to 37 individuals who have taken cyber security training in the past, to query opinions and perceptions regarding cyber security training participants had previously taken, and how they feel they would behave when faced with certain cyber security threats. Upon analysis in SPSS, the results of this work indicate that factors such as training frequency and exposure to cyber security attacks have a significant impact on cyber security behaviour. A correlation between engaging training and impact of training on behaviour also serves to justify the development of such training methods. When combined with previous results on cyber security training this highlights the need for training to be engaging, regular, and relevant, and shows that the realistic simulation of cyber security threats (such as in game-based training) is of significant benefit. These results will help inform future development of effective game-based training methods and encourage their use more widely.

What do we evaluate in serious games? A systematic review

Serious games have emerged as an invaluable tool in education, revolutionizing the way students learn and engage with complex concepts. These games combine entertainment with educational content, creating immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning outcomes. This strategy has positioned themselves as a powerful educational tool recommended for the new generations due to their benefits in terms of motivation, engagement, active learning, development of skills, and adaptation to diverse learning styles. By integrating serious games into educational programs, educators can enhance meaningful learning, foster relevant skills, and prepare students to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The evaluation of serious games is important for various reasons. For example, it helps determine if a serious game meets its educational objectives and truly promotes learning and the development of specific skills. It also provides feedback on the design, gameplay, effectiveness, and other aspects of the serious game, allowing developers to identify strengths and areas for improvement to optimize the learning experience. Evaluations help determine if the serious game appropriately caters to the needs and characteristics of users, if it is suitable for the target group, if it is accessible to individuals with different abilities, and if it provides an appropriate level of challenge to promote engagement and learning. Ultimately, evaluations provide validation and credibility to serious games as educational tools. This study shows a systematic review of the factors that appear most frequently evaluated, the methodology used, and discusses the possibility of adding new factors and points out the need to consider the opinion of other users to improve the evaluation of these resources.

Analysing match-related performance indicators in Super Rugby Competitions: A study of the 2017–2019 seasons

Understanding the factors that contribute to success or failure in Super Rugby is paramount for teams aiming to achieve positive results. This study compares winning and losing teams by analysing match-related performance indicators from 2017 to 2019, offering valuable insights for coaches, players, and performance analysts. Significantly, winning teams exhibited notable disparities in their attacking play, surpassing losing teams in total tries (4.5 vs. 2.4), offloads (12.5 vs. 11.2), number of kicks (22.2 vs. 19.4), and line breaks (3.1 vs. 2.2) ( p < .0001 for all). Moreover, defensive performance emerged as a crucial factor, with winning teams demonstrating higher tackle completion rates (89.3 vs. 87.9) ( p < .0001) and an increased number of breakdown turnovers won (0.8 vs. 0.6) ( p = .0518) compared to losing teams. These findings illuminate distinct performance characteristics that can assist coaches, players, and analysts in optimising tactical analysis, player development, and overall performance. Despite the COVID-19 disruption in 2020 and teams transitioning to other competitions, the research remains relevant due to the expected persistence of fundamental game aspects and performance indicators. This adaptability enables informed decision-making, leading to improved performance and a competitive advantage in the current Super Rugby competition.

DESIGNING SURVIVAL ROGUE-LITE GAME “TAMON” BASED ON ANDROID

"TAMON” is a survival rogue-lite game that combines the aspects of rogue-lite games, where the game can be replayed with progress carried over to subsequent rounds, and role-playing games, where monsters can be controlled and improved. The game is designed using Unity as the game engine and character models are sourced from the Unity asset store. The gameplay begins in a vast forest where the player controls a trainer character who can train monsters. The monsters controlled by the trainer are referred to as tamed monsters or TAMON. The trainer and TAMON must work together to fight against evil monsters called DEMON to survive for 15 minutes. “TAMON” is a 3D game that can be played on Android-based smartphones.

Rehafox – A therapeutical approach developing a serious game to support rehabilitation of stroke patients using a leap motion controller

The consequences of stroke are often severe and result in the need for rehabilitation of different regions in the body for a defined period. Rehabilitation exercises are often monotonous and quickly become boring, therefore serious games try to include gaming aspects into the rehabilitation process, which was previously shown can support the overall process. To support wrist and hand rehabilitation, the authors propose a new and innovative serious game, which relies only on the Leap Motion Controller together with a PC combining cognitive and physical rehabilitation. The development was based on a user-centred design approach divided into 3 consecutive phases focusing on the therapeutical point of view. In Phase 1, requirements for such a solution were identified and validated in cooperation with one therapist. Phases 2 and 3 pose additional changes gathered from interviews together with four more therapists and one stroke patient to develop a highly sophisticated and flexible prototype. Different and easily adaptable levels were developed in which the patient needs to perform specific movements with one or two hands and wrists to control the avatar throughout a jump-and-run game. Additionally, it includes memory aspects for additional and combined cognitive training. In the end, overall 44 requirements were identified and the gathered feedback during the iterations showed a positive acceptance and massive potential of the proposed solution. These requirements should also pose a good starting point for the development and research of new serious games in that domain as well.

Functional improvement of patients with Parkinson syndromes using a rehabilitation training software.

Individuals with Parkinsonian disorders often face limited access to specialized physiotherapy and movement training due to staff shortages and increasing disease incidence, resulting in a rapid decline in mobility and feelings of despair. Addressing these challenges requires allocating adequate resources and implementing specialized training programs to ensure comprehensive care and support. Regarding these problems, a computer software was invented that might serve as an additional home-based extension to conventional physiotherapy. The trial took place in a rehabilitation center where every patient received equivalent treatment apart from the training program that was set up to be investigated over 3 weeks. Seventy four Patients were included and randomized between two intervention and one control group. Intervention group 1 (IG1) trained with the computer-based system two times a week while Intervention group 2 (IG2) received five training sessions a week. Using the markerless Microsoft Kinect® camera, participants controlled a digital avatar with their own body movements. UPDRS-III and Clinical measurements were performed before and after the three-week period. Patients in all groups improved in UPDRS-III pre and post intervention whereas reduction rates were higher for IG1 (-10.89%) and IG2 (-14.04%) than for CG (-7.74%). Differences between the groups were not significant (value of ps CG/IG1 0.225, CG/IG2 0.347). Growth rates for the arm abduction angle were significantly higher in IG1 (11.6%) and IG2 (9.97%) than in CG (1.87%) (value of ps CG/IG1 0.006 and CG/IG2 0.018), as was the 5-steps-distance (CG 10.86% vs. IG1 24.5% vs. UG2 26.22%, value of ps CG/IG1 0.011 and CG/IG2 0.031). The study shows the beneficial effects of computer-based training and substantiates the assumption of a similar impact in a home-based setting. The utilized software is feasible for such interventions and meets with the patient's approval. Group dynamics seem to have an additional supporting effect for the aspired objective of improving mobility and should be seen as an essential aspect of video games in therapy.