Casual Video Research Articles

Using Self-Determination Theory to Examine Differences in Motvation and Engagement in Video Gamers

The purpose of this study is to extend the work on video gamers by better understanding some of the motivational underpinnings of video gameplay. To do this, we have incorporated nontraditional measures of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, into a study of hardcore and casual video gamer behavior. Additionally, we incorporated an exploratory variable, meaningfulness, which could theoretically be involved in video game engagement. Two hundred and forty-eight undergraduate students at a large university completed an inventory of video game usage and behavior, as well as several surveys related to motivation. Overall, while there were significant correlations between these measures of motivation, hardcore and casual gamers did not differ in terms of motivation to play. Interestingly, there was a significant difference between female and male gamers in terms of their need for autonomy, but not on any other measures. The results of this research will be discussed in greater detail.

Corrigendum: Cognitive training with casual video games: points to consider

The original publication contained an error that does not impact the significant findings and does not invalidate any conclusions derived from the study. In the WM-REAS 2 group, we inadvertently included data from one subject whose performance in the Attention Network Test (ANT) during post-testing met the exclusionary criteria. This resulted in an exaggerated negative transfer effect for the WM-REAS 2 group. After excluding this subject, the ANT-visual attention data of the WM-REAS 2 group is comparable with the other training groups (Figure 1). The results are consistent after reanalysis, with no significant transfer effect in ANT-visual attention (F(3,154)=0.004, p=1.000, ηp2< .001). The reported association between sleep and ANT-visual attention in the original publication is no longer significant (r=.177, p=.310). The authors deeply regret this error.

Cognitive training with casual video games: points to consider

Brain training programs have proliferated in recent years, with claims that video games or computer-based tasks can broadly enhance cognitive function. However, benefits are commonly seen only in trained tasks. Assessing generalized improvement and practicality of laboratory exercises complicates interpretation and application of findings. In this study, we addressed these issues by using active control groups, training tasks that more closely resemble real-world demands and multiple tests to determine transfer of training. We examined whether casual video games can broadly improve cognition, and selected training games from a study of the relationship between game performance and cognitive abilities. A total of 209 young adults were randomized into a working memory–reasoning group, an adaptive working memory–reasoning group, an active control game group, and a no-contact control group. Before and after 15 h of training, participants completed tests of reasoning, working memory, attention, episodic memory, perceptual speed, and self-report measures of executive function, game experience, perceived improvement, knowledge of brain training research, and game play outside the laboratory. Participants improved on the training games, but transfer to untrained tasks was limited. No group showed gains in reasoning, working memory, episodic memory, or perceptual speed, but the working memory–reasoning groups improved in divided attention, with better performance in an attention-demanding game, a decreased attentional blink and smaller trail-making costs. Perceived improvements did not differ across training groups and those with low reasoning ability at baseline showed larger gains. Although there are important caveats, our study sheds light on the mixed effects in the training and transfer literature and offers a novel and potentially practical training approach. Still, more research is needed to determine the real-world benefits of computer programs such as casual games.

Reasons for Playing Casual Video Games and Perceived Benefits Among Adults 18 to 80 Years Old

Casual video games (CVGs) are becoming increasingly popular among middle-aged and older adults, yet there are few studies documenting why adults of different ages play these games, what benefits they perceive, and how regularly they play. The present study compared the online survey responses of 10,308 adults ranging from 18 to 80 years of age to questions regarding PopCap's popular free online game, Bejeweled Blitz (BJB). All respondents cited playing against friends as their main reason for playing. However, there were differences by age in the second most frequently cited reason. Middle-aged adults cited stress relief, and older adults reported that they seek the game's challenges. As a result of playing CVGs, younger adults noted that they felt sharper and experienced improved memory; older adults were more likely to feel that their visuospatial skills and response time benefited. Adults aged 60 and older had heavier patterns of game play than did adults under the age of 60 years. A significant number of respondents (14.7%) spontaneously noted that they felt that BJB had addictive qualities. CVG players seem to be drawn into this activity by its social nature and to a certain extent by its reinforcing properties. Once involved, however, they believe that they derive a number of benefits that, for older adults, appear to offset declines in age-sensitive cognitive functions.

Seismoacoustic coupling induced by the breakup of the 15 February 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor

On 15 February 2013 around 03:20:00 UTC, the largest meteor reported since the 1908 Tunguska event was observed as a fireball traveling through the Earth's atmosphere, exploding in an air burst near the city of Chelyabinsk, Russia. The rarity of such an event provides a unique window on the physics of meteoroid collision. We report the fine seismic detection of Rayleigh waves produced by the coupling of ground motion with the incident shock wave at distances up to 4000 km from the event. Combining information from seismic beam‐forming analysis, reconstructed trajectory from casual video records, and remote sensing, we identify the Rayleigh waves as being initiated by the shock wave produced by the main blast that occasioned damages and injuries in Chelyabinsk. From the Rayleigh wave observations, we report a magnitude Ms∼3.7 seismic source.

Casual Threats: The Feminization of Casual Video Games

Casual Threats: The Feminization of Casual Video Games

Selling points: What cognitive abilities are tapped by casual video games?

The idea that video games or computer-based applications can improve cognitive function has led to a proliferation of programs claiming to “train the brain.” However, there is often little scientific basis in the development of commercial training programs, and many research-based programs yield inconsistent or weak results. In this study, we sought to better understand the nature of cognitive abilities tapped by casual video games and thus reflect on their potential as a training tool. A moderately large sample of participants (n=209) played 20 web-based casual games and performed a battery of cognitive tasks. We used cognitive task analysis and multivariate statistical techniques to characterize the relationships between performance metrics. We validated the cognitive abilities measured in the task battery, examined a task analysis-based categorization of the casual games, and then characterized the relationship between game and task performance. We found that games categorized to tap working memory and reasoning were robustly related to performance on working memory and fluid intelligence tasks, with fluid intelligence best predicting scores on working memory and reasoning games. We discuss these results in the context of overlap in cognitive processes engaged by the cognitive tasks and casual games, and within the context of assessing near and far transfer. While this is not a training study, these findings provide a methodology to assess the validity of using certain games as training and assessment devices for specific cognitive abilities, and shed light on the mixed transfer results in the computer-based training literature. Moreover, the results can inform design of a more theoretically-driven and methodologically-sound cognitive training program.

Motion Imitation with a Handheld Camera

In this paper, we present a novel method to extract motion of a dynamic object from a video that is captured by a handheld camera, and apply it to a 3D character. Unlike the motion capture techniques, neither special sensors/trackers nor a controllable environment is required. Our system significantly automates motion imitation which is traditionally conducted by professional animators via manual keyframing. Given the input video sequence, we track the dynamic reference object to obtain trajectories of both 2D and 3D tracking points. With them as constraints, we then transfer the motion to the target 3D character by solving an optimization problem to maintain the motion gradients. We also provide a user-friendly editing environment for users to fine tune the motion details. As casual videos can be used, our system, therefore, greatly increases the supply source of motion data. Examples of imitating various types of animal motion are shown.

A Randomized Controlled Study Measuring the Effectiveness of Casual Video Games in Reducing Stress and Increasing Mood

Event Abstract Back to Event A Randomized Controlled Study Measuring the Effectiveness of Casual Video Games in Reducing Stress and Increasing Mood Carmen Russionello1*, K. O’Brien1 and J. M. Parks1 1 East Carolina University , United States Stress related medical disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression are serious medical issues that can cause disability and death. Interventions to prevent their development and exacerbation are needed. Casual video games (CVGs) are fun, easy to play, spontaneous and tremendously popular. People report that they play these games because they decrease their stress and improve their mood. This study tested this assumption by comparing people playing casual video games with control subjects measured under similar conditions. Electroencephalographic changes after game play were consistent with increased mood and corroborated similar findings on psychological reports. Moreover, heart rate variability changes consistent with autonomic nervous system relaxation or decreased physical stress were also recorded. It is concluded therefore that casual video games do increase mood and decrease stress. These finding have broad implications and include the potential development of prescriptive interventions using casual video games to prevent and treat stress related medical disorders. Finally, these findings demonstrate a method to understand the cybernetic interconnection between participant and video game play. Conference: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference, Villa Caramora, Italy, 21 Jun - 23 Jun, 2009. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Oral Presentations Citation: Russionello C, O’Brien K and Parks JM (2009). A Randomized Controlled Study Measuring the Effectiveness of Casual Video Games in Reducing Stress and Increasing Mood. Front. Neuroeng. Conference Abstract: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.14.2009.06.091 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 23 Mar 2009; Published Online: 23 Mar 2009. * Correspondence: Carmen Russionello, East Carolina University, Greenville, United States, russonielloc@ecu.edu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Carmen Russionello K. O’Brien J. M Parks Google Carmen Russionello K. O’Brien J. M Parks Google Scholar Carmen Russionello K. O’Brien J. M Parks PubMed Carmen Russionello K. O’Brien J. M Parks Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The Villalbeto de la Peña meteorite fall: I. Fireball energy, meteorite recovery, strewn field, and petrography

An impressive daylight fireball was observed from Spain, Portugal, and the south of France at 16h46m45s UTC on January 4, 2004. The meteoroid penetrated into the atmosphere, generating shock waves that reached the ground and produced audible booms. The associated airwave was recorded at a seismic station located 90 km north of the fireball trajectory in Spain, and at an infrasound station in France located 750 km north-east of the fireball. The absolute magnitude of the bolide has been determined to be -18 ± 1 from a casual video record. The energy released in the atmosphere determined from photometric, seismic, and infrasound data was about 0.02 kilotons (kt). A massive fragmentation occurred at a height of 28 ± 0.2 km, resulting in a meteorite strewn field of 20 ± 6 km. The first meteorite specimen was found on January 11, 2004, near the village of Villalbeto de la Pena, in northern Palencia (Spain). To date, about 4.6 kg of meteorite mass have been recovered during several recovery campaigns. The meteorite is a moderately shocked (S4) L6 ordinary chondrite with a cosmic-ray-exposure age of 48 ± 5 Ma. Radioisotope analysis shows that the original body had a mass of 760 ± 150 kg, which is in agreement with the estimated mass obtained from photometric and seismic measurements.

Video record (CD copy attached) of the Spain bolide of June 14, 1996: The atmospheric trajectory and orbit

On June 14, 1996, a very bright bolide (SP960614) appeared over Galicia, the NW region of Spain. A casual video record of the bolide flight is available and its CD ROM copy included in this paper. We were able to deduce accurate horizontal coordinates from digitized video-recorded images and combine them with numerous visual observations. In order to get reasonable data from visual sightings, we visited all places listed in Table 1 and measured the corresponding horizontal coordinates. The video record helped also in sorting the quality of individual visual sightings. The trajectory computed was very shallow (near horizontal flight), and in this respect similar to the Peekskill bolide. The body with initial mass of the order of 10 4 kg moved with initial velocity of 15 km s 1 and suered severe gross-fragmentation. Individual larger fragments are well visible on the video record. Geographical coordinates, heights, and velocities of the main body are given for individual time instants during the video recorded part of the trajectory. During this part of the trajectory a model of gross-fragmentation was applied to the observed values. Mass loss at discrete trajectory points was responsible for the majority of the ablation. The orbit of the body was of low eccentricity and low inclination with aphelion close to the Mars orbit. The most probable terminal mass (meteorite mass) of the main body was of about 1 kg. The dark-flight computations are of low accuracy due to the shallow trajectory, and only a large area of some 22 46 km could be given as possible impact region of meteorites between 0.1 and 10 kg. The relative positions of individual fragments according to the main body during the flight are also given.