Game Management Research Articles

Football referees issue more yellow cards following VAR interventions – mental, tactical, and performance considerations

VAR (video assistant referee) presents a human-technology interface that was designed to improve referees’ ability to make accurate decisions in key match incidents. VAR interventions are pivotal moments in football matches, challenging referees’ critical decisions and potentially affecting their perceived ability to manage the game. This study aimed to investigate how referees handle VAR interventions in terms of game management and control. Through statistical analyses, we examined 120 real-match VAR interventions in penalty incidents from the Israeli Premier League, focusing on the number of fouls and yellow cards before and after the VAR interventions. Our findings revealed a significant impact ( d = 0.40) on yellow cards but not on fouls. Remarkably, referees issued twice the number of yellow cards (normalized per playing minute) following a VAR intervention, irrespective of the time it occurred during the match (i.e., first or second half). These results are discussed within the framework of current research and theories concerning self-control and game management in football refereeing. The increased issuance of yellow cards following VAR interventions suggests that teams may be at a higher risk of receiving disciplinary actions, which can potentially impact their performance and increase the likelihood of losing matches. Consequently, we provide practical recommendations for referee training and match preparation as well as for teams.

No Player Left Behind: Evolving Dungeons and Dragons Combat to Optimize Difficulty and Player Contributions

Creating well-balanced combat encounters can be a difficult task for Game Managers (GMs) in tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). This work uses a simulation environment to generate new sets of DnD encounters that can be optimized for both difficulty and balance among player contributions. Encounters are evaluated using simulated games that can either be run probabilistically (using dice rolls) or with deterministic expected outcomes. While the expected approach allows game outcomes to be simulated substantially faster and is a good estimate of difficulty, it is a less reliable measure of balance. A genetic algorithm was used to generate encounters that meet the desired difficulty and where all players are needed for success.

Exploring the influence of intensive management practices on recreational hunter satisfaction: a case study of red deer trophy hunting in Spain

ABSTRACT Recreational hunting, especially big game trophy hunting, has a significant impact on large areas and requires specific wildlife management strategies. However, because the pursuit of maximum hunter satisfaction can jeopardize species conservation, it is crucial to identify the factors that determine recreational trophy hunter satisfaction. We investigated these factors in southern Spain by attending 21 dog-driven Iberian red deer hunts over seven hunting seasons. We collected geographic and biometric data from 556 hunted specimens and conducted 159 face-to-face surveys with hunters. Based on partial least squares path models, our findings indicate that overall satisfaction is positively related to the dimensions of achievement, appreciation, and service. Contextual variables, including hunter experience, hunting scenarios, and individual and group hunting bags, showed varying effects on these satisfaction dimensions. Management decisions significantly influenced multiple dimensions of hunter satisfaction, with potential implications for conservation in our study system and broader considerations for natural game management versus canned hunting practices.

Does diversity matter? Explaining the effects of team diversity on team performance using data from a student’s business simulation game

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of different diversity criteria (age and gender) on team performance using a business simulation game, where performance is operationalized by market valuation (Tobin’s Q) and profitability (cumulative net income). Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data of a business simulation game at a German public university (128 student groups and 645 individuals). Using multiple linear regression models, they investigated the impact of the different diversity criteria on team performance. Findings The authors found no significant effects of gender diversity on market valuation and profitability. However, the results of this study indicate a positive relationship between age diversity and both performance variables. Originality/value This paper contributes to the debate on the relationship between diversity and team performance by using data from a business simulation game. This study adds value by considering different diversity factors, objective performance indicators and the endogeneity of team formation (the seminar leaders randomly assign students to teams) which has not been applied in similar studies yet. Because of the setting of a simulated business game, the results could also be applied to the real economy where we observe working teams every day.

Serious Games for Serious Business: Unravelling Trends and Distribution Dynamics

Objective: To analyse the impact and applications of Serious Games in the corporate realm, evaluating both benefits and challenges associated with their adoption. Methodology: A literature review is conducted through a descriptive bibliometric analysis. The distribution of publications and citations of studies by year, affiliations and authors with the highest productivity rate, and most cited articles are analysed. Results: A marked increase in publications on Serious Games is observed, indicating a growing interest in research. Citation analysis shows an upward trend, with the year 2022 standing out as the most prolific. INRAE and Wageningen University Research are leading institutions in this field, and prominent authors include Mayer, Dumont, and Russell-Bennett. Limitations: There is potential bias in article selection and a narrow focus on the benefits and challenges of Serious Games in enterprises, overlooking long-term sustainability. This could be addressed by comparing the effectiveness of Serious Games in employee training versus customer interaction and evaluating their applicability across different sectors. Practical implications: Serious Games are useful for simulating business creation, developing entrepreneurial skills through a playful approach, as well as citizen decision-making and its impact on carbon emissions. In the tourism sector, the effectiveness of gamification through Serious Games is evidenced by increased brand loyalty. The article provides an understanding of the landscape of Serious Games and their implementation in companies across different sectors. It observes the practical implications of this learning tool and its interaction with consumers, to enhance their experience.

From Motivating to Manipulative: The Use of Deceptive Design in a Game's Free-to-Play Transition

Over the last decade, the free-to-play (F2P) game business model has gained popularity in the games industry. We examine the role of deceptive design during a game's transition to F2P and its impacts on players. Our analysis focuses on game mechanics and a Reddit analysis of the Overwatch (OW) series after it transitioned to an F2P model. Our study identifies nine game mechanics that use deceptive design patterns. We also identify factors contributing to a negative gameplay experience. Business model transitions in games present possibilities for problematic practices. Our findings identify the need for game developers and publishers to balance player investments and fairness of rewards. A game's successful transition depends on maintaining fundamental components of player motivation and ensuring transparent communication. Compared to existing taxonomies in other media, games need a comprehensive classification of deceptive design. We emphasize the importance of understanding player perceptions and the impact of deceptive practices in future research.

Corporate political action and R&D investments: complementary effects and the role of communication in overcoming ex-post transaction costs

Purpose This study aims to investigate the role of interfirm communication on the complementary effect between corporate political action (CPA) and research and development (R&D) investments under transaction costs. Design/methodology/approach A quasi-experiment study design was used, combining business game simulation and a public goods experiment with communication as a controlled variable. A fixed-effect regression analysis was performed on panel data collected from 72 students. Findings The findings indicate that collective CPA is positively and significantly associated with R&D investments, particularly when interfirm communication is present. Conversely, for non-communicating firms, the effect is limited to the relationship between individual CPA and R&D investment. Research limitations/implications Despite advancing the research on political ties and innovation, the study acknowledges limitations related to framing effects and institutional variability. Practical implications The complementary effects indicate that institutional arrangements (i.e. business associations) may foster interfirm communication and cooperation in CPA efforts, mitigating opportunistic behaviours and legitimising CPA strategy towards innovation. Social implications This study contributes to understanding how firms’ political and R&D decisions can positively impact innovation, despite the challenges of ex post transaction costs. Originality/value The positive effect of communication on political action and cooperation on firms’ innovation, even in weak institutional environments, is highlighted. An innovative methodological approach combining business games and economic experiments was used to examine participants’ decisions under transaction costs.

Balancing enjoyment and learning in teaching software project management with game-based learning

Despite advancements in project management education, project failures remain common, often due to insufficient experience and skills. Games offer a valuable platform for teaching practical project management skills, allowing players to learn from mistakes without significant economic costs. However, many serious games in this field lack focus on engagement and motivation. The "Software Project Management Game" introduced in this article addresses these issues by incorporating motivational game design principles, drawing inspiration from entertainment games like Game Dev Tycoon and The Sims. The game ensures a smooth flow without unnecessary interruptions, putting players in control. Players progress through five projects of increasing complexity, gradually developing their skills and learning soft skills and task dependencies. This article details the design, implementation, and evaluation of the game, focusing on gameflow, intrinsic motivation, perceived learning, and usability. The results indicate that the game successfully balances enjoyment and learning, making it an effective tool for teaching core project management skills.

The use of active forms of interaction in the educational process Of the military institute

The article considers the possibility of using active teaching methods, such as business games and a round table, in the educational process of the military institute, discusses the stages of preparation and scenarios, provides examples of the use of these technologies in laboratory classes in the discipline «Chemistry», at a scientific and technical event of the Faculty of Artillery Armament.

Effect of business games on learning perception and satisfaction of students on technical courses in business administration integrated into high school

The research aims to investigate the effect of business games on learning perception and the satisfaction of students in technical courses in Business Administration integrated with high school from the analytical perspective of Experiential learning. To achieve this objective, a study was conducted using three different types of business games (online computerised, board, and gamebook), with students completing the technical course integrated into high school at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (Ifes) in Brazil. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Two competing models were evaluated. In both cases, the experience of the game has an effect on learning perception and satisfaction. However, one considers that learning perception has an effect on satisfaction and another in which it is the satisfaction that has an effect on learning perception (i.e., the halo effect). The study's results demonstrated that experience in the business game has a positive effect on students' perception of learning and satisfaction and that the hypothesis of the existence of the halo effect was rejected. This suggests that business games can be adjusted to fit different levels of education, depending on how they are applied.

Use of management games within the education process of future managers at universities in Slovakia and Czech Republic

Use of management games within the education process of future managers at universities in Slovakia and Czech Republic

Technology of organization and performance of professional (demonstration) exam (on the example of special (defectological) education and subject areas «Russian language and literature», «Art»)

Introduction. The article presents the experience of conducting professional (demonstration) examination in Master's degree program as a tool for assessing the readiness of future teachers for professional activity. The article considers the mechanisms of assessing the readiness of master's degree graduates to work in the educational system through the prism of professional, subject, methodological, communicative and managerial competencies. Materials and Methods. The presented characteristic of the organization and conduct of professional (demonstration) examination is based on theoretical research methods: logical analysis, structural-functional method, discourse analysis. The basis is the interdisciplinary methodology that allows synthesizing approaches inherent in the organization of the educational process. The method of systematization and analysis of the existing experience in conducting professional demonstration examination was used in describing the methodology of technology. Results. The purpose of these materials is to summarize and systematize the experience of conducting professional examination of master's students at the Ural State Pedagogical University. The principles and stages of the professional (demonstration) examination developed by the Educational and Methodological Council of the Urals State Pedagogical University are presented as organizational bases of the activity of organizing and conducting the professional (demonstration) examination. The principles implemented in the professional (demonstration) examination, such as continuity and continuity of teacher training, inclusiveness of the educational environment, orientation to professional communication and group decision-making, the principle of openness, combination of fundamentality and practice-oriented are outlined. Discussion and Conclusions. The optimal form of conducting the teachers' demonstration exam is determined as an activity-type technology corresponding to its tasks, based on an active way of interaction between participants – a business game. In the course of the business game, master's students simulate the situation of a meeting of a methodological association or pedagogical council, where they realize the solution of a professional problem. Content aspects of the professional (demonstration) examination are revealed in the article on the material of specific illustrations of variants of examination tasks for Master's degree students in the areas of training «Pedagogical Education» (on the example of subject areas «Russian language and literature» and «Art») and «Special (defectological) education».

Hunting bag statistics of wild mammals in Portugal (1989–2022): on the need to improve data report and compilation

Wildlife monitoring is key for the effective management of natural resources. Hunting-based data (e.g., hunting bag statistics) is an important source of information to overcome the financial constraints imposed to long-term monitoring. Here, taking advantage of three decades (1989–2022) of hunting bag statistics of wild mammals in Portugal, we present the trends and discuss the issues regarding nine game species (five wild ungulates, two carnivores and two lagomorphs). Our results show that hunting bag statistics mirror the general population trends of wild mammal populations at a national scale. The data reflects the increase in number and distribution of roe deer, red deer and wild boar, and the recent expansion experienced by the Egyptian mongoose. The decline in the numbers of European wild rabbit and Iberian hare harvested are also noticeable. Hunting-based data have been used in several research contexts; however, this information is usually affected by geographical, temporal and recording bias. Portugal is no exception. Engaging the interested stakeholders is pivotal to ensure data quality. By reporting reliable and systematically collected hunting data, game managers and wildlife researchers will be able to better understand the main drivers of population dynamics, adjust hunting bags towards sustainable yield and assess the ecological and socio-economic relevance of the hunting sector.

The Impact of Machine Learning on Gaming Security

The gaming business has been seeing tremendous expansion in recent years, which can be attributed to the convergence of technological breakthroughs and an ever-expanding user base respectively. As the gaming business continues to develop, the security risks that target gaming platforms also continue to improve. As a result, it is very necessary to implement advanced protection measures. The use of machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformational force in the enhancement of gaming security. It provides novel ways to tackle a variety of cyber threats and ensures that players have a gaming experience that is both secure and fair. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence that machine learning has on gaming security, with a particular emphasis on its applications, strengths, and weaknesses.Gaming firms are rethinking their approach to security problems as a result of the use of machine learning algorithms, especially those that make use of artificial intelligence (AI). One of the most important uses of machine learning in gaming security is the detection and prevention of fraudulent activity. When it comes to keeping up with the ever-evolving strategies used by fraudsters, traditional rule-based systems sometimes suffer. On the other hand, machine learning algorithms are able to examine enormous volumes of data and recognise patterns that are suggestive of fraudulent behaviour. This enables real-time identification and prevention of fraudulent actions such as account takeovers, cheating, and other malevolent acts.

Experience in Team Multidisciplinary Training of an Ambulance Station Using a Physical Model of the City

The most difficult part of training young professionals is the skills of decision-making, communication, and role allocation. To develop these skills, Kursk State Medical University conducts business games simulating the operation of an ambulance and disaster medicine station. Starting with oral exercises and board games, the authors aim to diversify the mechanics of the game and increase engagement. The result was a model of an entire region with a city, villages, enterprises and natural areas, where participants physically move by special transport and fully provide the entire pre-hospital stage in normal and emergency conditions.

Business Games as a Tool for Forming a Professional Trajectory of a Specialist

Professional orientation is a necessary tool for preparing teenagers for their future profession and an integral part of the work of a higher school teacher at the stages of becoming a doctor. The development and implementation of business games in medicine make it possible not only to interest students in the profession, but also to form the foundations of clinical thinking and team interaction.

Modern Approaches to Creating a Simulation Learning Environment to Improve the Socio-Cognitive Skills of Doctors

The article presents the results of a study aimed at using active methods of creating a simulation learning environment to improve the socio-cognitive skills of a doctor. The main focus is on the integration of situational learning, active methods and socio-psychological approaches to develop professional competence and readiness for practical activities. The study focuses on the development of socio-cognitive skills and abilities through the use of situational role-playing games, trainings, discussions, case studies, business games and other teaching methods.

Analysis of the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Common Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) Spatiotemporal Changes Based on Hunting Bag Data in Hungary

Sustainable wildlife management requires reliable data on population, habitat, and the interaction between them. Since 1993, Hungary has maintained the National Game Management Database, which collects data on game populations and hunting bags annually. During the last three decades, populations of medium-sized predators have remarkably increased in the country. Our study analyzed changes in hunting bag data and spatial distribution of two invasive alien species, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), utilizing annual game management reports from Game Management Units from 1997 to 2021. For spatial analysis, we employed a UTM grid system (10 × 10 km) covering the country. Our findings confirmed increasing trends in the hunting bag and area (number of grid cells) containing hunting bags for both species. From the first (1997–2001) to the last (2017–2021) period, the average annual hunting bag increased (raccoon: 0.40 → 11.00 ind/year; raccoon dog: 3.40 → 8.00 ind/year), and the average number of cells with hunting bags also expanded significantly (raccoon: 2.00 → 9.60 UTM cells/year; raccoon dog: 5.80 → 15.20 UTM cells/year). These trends and the size of potentially suitable habitats suggest a further spread and population increase, posing challenges for nature conservationists and wildlife managers.

The game management framework for sports refereeing: a structured perspective on officiating performance and its development

AbstractThe Game Management Framework for Sports Refereeing (GMFSR) provides a comprehensive and novel approach to understanding the performance of on-field interactor referees in competitive sports. It highlights key performance factors and focuses on the holistic integration of essential elements. According to the GMFSR, officiating performance is based on a referee’s embodied concepts: rules, laws and regulations and game knowledge; contextual judgment; physical fitness, positioning, and signaling; and dynamic communication and arbitration. These elements underpin the four skills of administering the game, decision-making, creating presence, and guiding the game, which together make up a referee’s game management competency. In addition, the framework emphasizes the importance of a referee mindset, stressing the influence of personal attributes and adaptive strategies on overall performance. Developed by integrating empirical evidence, different conceptual and theoretical perspectives, and expert knowledge from academia and practice, the GMFSR aims to provide a comprehensive foundation on which to stimulate ideas for the education and training of referees. It is hoped that by considering all elements of the GMFSR at the novice level and developing them throughout a referee’s career, it will provide holistic yet focused training, and serve as a valuable resource for future research.

Administrative liability for violations of civil firearms circulation rules as a component of state control

The article provides an analysis of the compositions of administrative offenses in the sphere of circulation of civilian firearms. During the research, a number of problematic aspects were identified that could negatively affect the application of the relevant provisions of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, and a series of proposals were put forward to address these gaps. In particular, the publication emphasizes the need to differentiate in Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offenses the administrative responsibility for violations of hunting rules depending on the type of animals that have been hunted or attempted to be hunted by the subject of the respective offense, taking into account the rates for calculating the compensation for damages caused as a result of violations of legislation in the field of hunting and game management (except for species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine). The paper also highlights the expediency of differentiation of liability in the aforementioned article of the Law for Fisheries with the use of firearms based on the criterion of causing or not causing damage to ichthyofauna by relevant actions. Furthermore, the author proposes to amend Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offenses regarding the use of firearms in the following version: ‘Shooting with firearms in an uncleared area of a populated area, in an uncleared area outside a populated area, or in a cleared area in violation of the established procedure’ and to differentiate responsibility in the specified norm depending on the place of commission of the administrative offense as a feature of the objective side. Moreover, with the aim of improving and enhancing the effectiveness of the application of administrative-legal prescriptions, the scientific article focuses on the controversial aspects of the object, objective side, and subject of the composition of the administrative offense envisaged by Article 190 of the Code of Administrative Offenses; normative formulation of the title and disposition of Article 192 of the Code of Administrative Offenses; the circle of persons constituting the subjective composition of administrative offenses envisaged in Articles 191–195 of the Code of Administrative Offenses; sanctions for committing administrative offenses provided for in Parts 1, 2, 4 of Article 85 and Articles 174, 190–195 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.