Game Creation Research Articles

Many faces, many names? Ethics in Belgian game development education

What is nowadays taught to the game creators of tomorrow in terms of ethics? The current study addresses this question by focusing on 11 higher education and continuous vocational training programs for aspiring game developers taught in Belgium. We conducted textual analyses of institutional materials and semi-structured interviews with nine educators. By combining these sources of data, this study identifies three key categories of ethical considerations that are taught to students: content and design impact, workplace standards, and diversity in gaming culture. This study also underscores educators’ proactivity in addressing gaps between curricular content, industry expectations, and student concerns. It is our hope that this study elucidates the critical potential of teaching ethics, providing actionable recommendations for educational institutions to help prepare creators navigate complex moral issues in today's gaming landscape.

Formalism and Power of Language: Unravelling the Narratology of Final Fantasy XVI

Using the framework of formalist analysis, this study examines how language serves as a source of power in shaping the narrative depth, character development, and thematic exploration of Final Fantasy XVI. This research involves analyzing various types of language, from dialogue and narration to symbolism, metaphor, and simile. The research methodology employed is qualitative analysis, allowing for an in-depth examination of the linguistic complexities present in the game through textual analysis and content analysis. By thematically dissecting language and applying techniques from formalist linguistics, such as Deixis Analysis, the study aims to determine how game creators purposefully use linguistic techniques to construct emotional connotations and expressive effects. Additionally, it explores how witty dialogues between characters contribute to the development of story-related themes. This study reveals how the linguistic fabric of Final Fantasy XVI functions as an effective tool in crafting an engaging and powerful story. It draws players deeper into the game's world and evokes their sympathies for the various forces at play. Furthermore, the research highlights the intentional use of linguistic devices to enhance narrative immersion and emotional impact, showcasing the intricate interplay between language and storytelling in video games. Through this analysis, the study underscores the significance of linguistic elements in video game narratives, providing insights into how language can be manipulated to create compelling and immersive experiences for players.

Artificial Intelligence Usage in Forming Computer Games Space

The computer games industry is growing rapidly today, and the number of users of these games (players) is increasing. All of this has an impact on modern society. The development of new computer games involves constant evolution in such areas as technological innovations, the development of game genres, and analysis of market trends in the entertainment sector. The development of artificial intelligence and its application in the development of computer games contribute to the dynamic change of the landscape and expansion of the space and genres of games. The purpose of the article is to study and analyse the state of the modern computer games industry, taking into account the main genres and trends in the use of artificial intelligence in their development and the formation of the corresponding game space, to assess technological innovations, to analyse the market and to forecast the future development of the game industry. The research methods are the main methodological approaches and technological means of artificial intelligence for the development of computer games and the formation of the corresponding game space. Such methods include, in particular, systematic and comparative analyses to identify the features of computer games of various genres and types, the method of expert assessments, which involves the analysis of literary sources and information resources, interviews and surveys of game industry experts. The novelty of the study is a comprehensive analysis of modern technologies, in particular generative artificial intelligence, their use in the development of computer games and trends in the formation of the space of such games. Conclusions. The main trends in the development of computer games have been identified. The factors that influence their market are identified and forecasts are made for the future development of this industry. The paper analyses the use of artificial intelligence, in particular generative artificial intelligence, in the development of computer games (to optimise game creation and reduce budgets) and the formation of the corresponding game space, generative artificial intelligence has opened a new era of development of the computer game space. The impact of artificial intelligence on the balance between integration and immersion in the real world is determined. The current state of virtual reality games with their achievements and problems is analysed, which is crucial for understanding their future development trajectory. The new trends and technologies considered point to the future of the computer games space.

Pengembangan Jiwa Wirausaha Lulusan Teknik Elektronika SMK N 1 Bukittinggi Melalui Pembekalan Skill Pembuatan Game dengan Unity

Introduction: The gaming industry offers substantial opportunities for individuals with the right technical and entrepreneurial skills. However, graduates from vocational schools often lack these essential skills. Objective: The purpose of this service was to enhance technical skills in game development using Unity and cultivate entrepreneurial spirit among graduates of the Electronics Engineering Department at SMK N 1 Bukittinggi. Method: This public service was conducted on April 25, 2024, via Google Meet, in collaboration with Institut Teknologi Telkom Purwokerto, Universitas Jambi, and Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Indobaru Nasional. The program included sessions on the basics of game development, practical game creation using Unity, and entrepreneurship training. Forty students participated. Result: The program significantly improved participants' skills. Understanding of game development theory increased from 30% to 85%, proficiency in using Unity rose from 20% to 80%, and scripting skills in C# improved from 25% to 75%. Knowledge of entrepreneurial concepts increased from 40% to 85%, and business planning skills rose from 25% to 80%. Conclusion: The program successfully enhanced both technical and entrepreneurial skills of Electronics Engineering graduates from SMK N 1 Bukittinggi, preparing them for the creative industry and enabling them to create their own business opportunities. This integrated approach can be applied to other vocational schools to support the growth of the local creative economy.

Mathematics Games Creation by Using Block-Based Programming (Scratch) to Enhance Students Learning Experiences

The use of information technology in making teaching materials by teachers can improve students' learning experiences. One of learning methods that can be adopted with technology integration is game-based learning design. The problem is that teachers generally lack the ability to utilize technology in learning process. Through this service activity, the team provides assistance to teachers at MTsN 5 and MTsN 6 Padang in designing interesting learning process using game-based learning design. This approach produces active involvement of students in the learning process while increasing students' creativity and understanding.

Combining Game-Based Learning with Design Thinking Using Block-based Programming to Enhance Computational Thinking and Creative Game for Primary Students

This research aims to develop a combining game-based learning with design thinking using block-based programming to enhance computational thinking and creative games for primary students and will be referred to as game-based learning from now on. The purpose of this research is to 1) develop a model for game-based learning, 2) develop the system for game-based learning, 3) evaluate students' computational thinking after implementing game-based learning, and 4) evaluate the creative games created by students after game-based learning is implemented. The research tools included 1) the model for the game-based learning, 2) the model-appropriate evaluation form, 3) the learning system evaluation form 4) the computational thinking evaluation form, and 5) the creative game evaluation form. The research results showed that 1) the evaluation results of the model are appropriate for teaching at the highest level (x  = 4.82, SD = 0.42) and could be used for experimental teaching, 2) The results of game-based learning system quality are at the highest level (x  = 4. 57, S.D. = 0. 50). The researcher implements a game-based learning model and system to teach a sample group of 24 students in grade 4, using a purposive sampling method. The results of the implementation could be summarized as follows: 1) the results of students' computational thinking evaluation after implementing the model and system are significantly higher than before at the .05 level. 2) evaluation results of creative games that students developed after implementing the model and system are at a high level (x  = 4.29, S.D. = 0.52)

Empowering Learning Through Game Creation: Investigating the Impact of Educational Technology on Learners’ Engagement and Attainment Level in Subject-Based Game Design (Phase I)

Games are an engaging way for learners to acquire and retain information, and they can benefit from creating their own games based on the content they are studying. Although gamification-based learning is well-known for its popularity among learners in the 21st century, minimal research has been conducted on the strategy of engaging learners in student-led learning by having them create their own games for learning. In recent times, there has been an increase in interest among educators in utilising novel teaching methods to improve learners’ involvement and active participation, ultimately fostering a more profound understanding of the subject matter. The latter is in line with Fullan and Langworthy’s (2014) assertion that deep learning is crucial for assessment, not only for the purpose of accountability, but also for determining effective strategies to achieve new educational objectives. The combination of flipped learning and gamification has significant attention as an emerging strategy with the potential to transform traditional pedagogical and/or andragogical approaches. The concept of flipped learning entails reversing the conventional classroom structure, in which learners are exposed to instructional materials outside of class to conduct interviews, collect evidence related to the topic at hand, and then use the in-class time for interactive learning by analysing and comparing the data collected. Alternatively, gamification entails the application of game design elements and principles to non-game-related contexts. This small-scale study investigates the relationship between instructional game design and student creativity. Research demonstrates that learners who create instructional games are more creative. Statistically, learning outcomes may not differ, but users are more motivated to learn and want to continue studying. The study analysed prospective issues and proposed solutions for ensuring the consistency of flip game-based learning that engages and motivates learners across multiple disciplines. The objective is to investigate effective teaching and learning approaches based on an unconventional combination of flipped learning gamification methods with the potential to enhance learners’ learning process through continuous engagement and participation. In the context of Vocational Education and Training, this research aims to enable learners to create their own game concepts based on structured curriculum topics.

Who Makes Popular Content? Information Cues from Content Creators for Users’ game Choice: Focusing on User-Created Content Platform “Roblox”

User-generated game platforms have emerged as a channel fostering creative activities in online communities. Therefore, this study reveals users’ decision making at UGG platform such as Roblox, where millions of users contribute to game creation and play the game. In particular, teenagers, who are digital natives and known as Generation Z, select a game from various UGGs on Roblox. Thus, this study focuses on how game creator information in personal profile plays a significant role in determining digital natives’ choice of UGG. Drawing the signaling theory, this research focus on creators’ abilities and popularities as indicators for UGG choices. We collect a total of 1,301 fighting games from Roblox and game creator information. To address endogeneity, a two-stage least squares(2SLS) analysis was conducted using instrumental variables. The results show that the number of limited items and followers achieved by the creator positively affect game popularity.

Identifying Challenges for Elementary School Teachers in Building Digital Games through a Workshop

To develop technologies that facilitate the creation and customization of digital educational games, this research aimed to explore the use of a game authoring tool by elementary school teachers and to identify the challenges and skills of this public using the tool. Our findings indicate that most of them had difficulties using it due to a lack of digital literacy and many possible configuration settings. They struggled with the steps they needed to complete in the tutorial and understanding concepts such as events, conditions, and actions. On the other hand, they were able to easily arrange the objects in the scenes. As a result, we present a set of recommendations that can be useful to construct new tools for this audience.

NOTION OF TREND "PHYGITAL" IN CULTURE

In today’s rapidly changing world, new trends, technologies and no-tions, combining various aspects of the digital age, are actualized. In the cul-tural environment, an actual phenomenon is the phygital world «thrown» into everyday life as a marketing move and claiming an ideological position in fu-ture. Phygital art is becoming an important part of the creative and media in-dustry, bringing investment and aesthetic attractiveness to the creation of vir-tual concert programs, films, games and exhibitions. The purpose of the study is to generalize and fix the phenomenon «phygital» in the cultural environment and determine its mechanisms and essential characteristics.

INFLUENCE OF CHESS GAME ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF PERSONALITY

Issues related to the creative components of a person’s thinking while playing chess are considered. The author studies the influence of chess on the development of logical and creative thinking. The article concludes that the game of chess is a creative game that makes a significantcontribution to the development of the creative potential of the individual and society.

INVESTIGATING ONLINE GAME ADDICTION: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF DESIGN ELEMENTS THROUGH THE PLAYER ENGAGEMENT MODEL

The study investigates game addiction by using the design elements of Online video games through the player engagement model, The study explores the motive of the addicted behaviour of gamers and finding the association between game addiction and game design elements standardised by game creators. The study utilizes a quantitative methodology, and gathered data from 309 samples through questionnaires focusing on their engagement with game design elements and Game addiction was assessed using the Video Game Addiction Test. Statistical analyses reveal associations among variables, indicating that the design elements of online video games do not directly contribute to the development of video game addiction. Instead, it is evident that individuals with lower levels of addiction place a significant emphasis on video game design aspects such as immersion, game mechanics, motivation, and social interaction. The research suggests that understanding the impact of design elements on addiction in gaming contexts can inform gamers about how to mitigate game addiction.

Educational Game Development RPG (Role-Playing Game) Introduction of Department for Prospective Students Using RPG Maker MV

Several studies state that many students have the wrong major and things this causes problems for them. Data obtained through questionnaires (2016) in 40 respondents of students majoring in informatics engineering, as much as 65% admitted that he was in the wrong major and the biggest cause was misperception. All respondents agree if there is a game that can introduce engineering majors informatics to prospective students of informatics engineering. Then from the questionnaire another with 30 respondents, prospective informatics engineering students can be withdrawn The conclusion is that most of them still do not really know the majors. There are educational games that successfully teach users and game genres Indonesian gamers' favorite is the RPG genre. Therefore the researchers made a game RPG education to introduce informatics engineering majors. Game creation using the method of collecting data from literature and questionnaires, while game development using the Ramadan & Widyani GDLC method. The software used in making this game is RPG Maker MV. After the game is over, it is tested on 30 prospective engineering student respondents informatics, the result is 80% of respondents stated their perception about the majors information technology is changing.

Analysis of the State-of-art Implementations for Artificial Intelligence in Gaming

As a matter of fact, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a crucial area of interest, seeing significant integration across diverse sectors. The gaming industry's evolution has further escalated the integration of AI, leading to an increased necessity for sophisticated game AI systems. These systems, crafted to emulate the cognitive actions and decision-making abilities of humans, enable the automation of game creation and dynamic game management. In order to give a better account of the application of AI in the game field, this study will introduce the following contents. First of all, this study will introduce what is AI, the second is to introduce the three kinds of application scenarios of AI in the game field; the third is to make a prediction on the future fusion of AI and the game industry. According to the analysis, the current features as well as limitations and prospect will be demonstrated at the same time. Overall, these results shed light on guiding further exploration of AI in gaming.

Board Game Prototype About the Historical Period of Japanese Colonialism in Indonesia for Middle School Students

The teaching method used in history subjects usually needs a lot of memorizations, considered less interesting and less important compared to other subjects leading to difficulties to memorize the topic. The other reason the students think that history is not too important is because they are more interested in other countries' cultures. This prototype is made mainly for middle school students so that they are motivated and more interested to learn Indonesian history. This prototype uses qualitative research and uses 5W+1H data analysis. With the creation of the Koloni board game, we hope that the students can be more interested in learning and understanding Indonesian history.

A Narrative Review of the Influence of Personality on Athletic Success

Since the creation of the Olympic Games over two millennia ago, athletics has been a way to discover humanity’s physical limits. Through training and practice, athletes can achieve feats never reached before. However, as competition becomes more difficult, athletes and coaches have to find new ways to break through barriers and reach new heights in their sport. At high levels of competition, mental training becomes just as important as physical training. By understanding an athlete’s personality characteristics and how it can affect performance, competitors and coaches alike can develop and utilize these traits to further athletic success. Through an analysis of various studies, four characteristics have been studied in depth: extroversion, conscientiousness, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy. All of these attributes are generally beneficial for an athlete to possess, but each has its drawbacks and nuances. This paper outlines how each facet of personality can affect an athlete and how athletes and coaches can develop these characteristics for success.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ГЕЙМІФІКАЦІЇ В ПОПЕРЕДЖЕННІ ДИСЛЕКСІЇ У ДІТЕЙ СТАРШОГО ДОШКІЛЬНОГО ВІКУ

In this article, the use of gamification in the organization of preventive work with children prone to dyslexia is analyzed. The factor that causes dyslexia has been identified, emphasizing the need to promptly identify children at risk and intervene, in order to avoid negative psychosocial consequences during their education. The main achievements of scientists in this field have been summarized. The advantages of using individual elements of gamification for propaedeutic purposes in working with children prone to dyslexia are highlighted, and their description is provided. An algorithm for creating a game mechanism, criteria for selecting digital learning platforms, and developing games based on them are proposed. Considering the variety of available mobile applications and platforms that contribute to the implementation of propaedeutic and developmental goals in working with children with speech disorders, it is stated that they have some disadvantages. Therefore, the main approaches to developing custom digital games on gamified platforms, with the ability to modify their content and tasks, have been considered in such a way that they contribute to the implementation of the goals of corrective and developmental work with children prone to dyslexia. Several variants of such games are proposed as examples. The identified factors that can hinder the achievement of a positive effect of using digital games by a speech therapist in the classroom are discussed, and ways to solve them are explored. The perspective of using digital games in providing remote corrective and developmental assistance to children in conditions of distance learning is indicated. The article also emphasizes the need for speech therapists to possess a sufficient level of digital competence as a guarantee of methodologically correct creation and implementation of digital games into their work with children.

Cryogenic survival: Analysis and development of 'lost with frost' a 2D Python-based RPG game

This paper presents "Lost with Frost," a 2D Python-based RPG game developed by a team of three. The game immerses the player in a challenging survival experience within a frigid, snowy landscape, requiring strategic resource gathering and enemy encounters. The objective is to sustain the character's health by collecting sticks to fuel a central firepit. The paper details the game's core mechanics, including resource management, survival elements, and enemy interactions. It also highlights the iterative development process, addressing challenges faced and showcasing the team's creative and technical efforts. The game's design concept evolved from brainstorming sessions, emphasizing hardcore survival and exploration in a frozen land. The gameplay is dynamic, with the addition of day-night cycles affecting visibility and immersion. Unique features like dynamic lighting, UI enhancements, and sound control further enrich the gaming experience. The paper delves into the challenges encountered during development, such as refining map generation, object distribution, and gameplay balance. The team's journey through these challenges offers valuable insights into game creation, resulting in an engaging and visually appealing RPG adventure that transports players to a frosty, perilous world.

Neuroscience-Based Information and Communication Technologies Development in Elementary School Mathematics through Games: A Case Study Evaluation

Universities play a pivotal role in knowledge production and in transforming teaching methodologies across various subjects. This research is a case study detailing the pedagogical implementation of a game-based methodological approach in a dual-degree program for primary and early childhood education teachers. The focus is on integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) tools for mathematics, specifically Scratch and GeoGebra, underpinned by principles of neuroscience. Based on a sample of 28 students, this study adopted game-based learning (GBL) in mathematics exercises, aimed at equipping student-teachers with strategies for educating future students (ages 7 to 11) in the 3rd to the 6th grade. Key areas of focus included plane and spatial geometry, requiring student-teachers to design game-like activities, emulating the problem-solving approaches of children. The culmination of this study involved presentations by the student-teachers, demonstrating how neuroscience principles can enhance the creation of educational games for primary school students. The findings highlight a significant divergence between the reality of teaching mathematics and the preconceived notions held by the student-teachers. This study opens avenues for integrating neuroscience into education, particularly through GBL, but also highlights the need for comprehensive understanding and application of neuroscientific principles to maximize learning outcomes.

Playing with the cultural pilgrimage to stimulate tourism: the xFORMAL project on cultural heritage and informal learning.

The focus on culture as an engine of sustainable development has favoured its gradual acquisition by institutions engaged in the protection and promotion of heritage as an enabling and systemic factor capable of connecting innovation, continue education, research, and citizen engagement in a single chain. Knowledge of the landscape that combines works of nature and humankind and its bio-cultural diversity makes it possible to identify innovative informal education and new tourist itineraries where the real experience is presented as a cultural pilgrimage. The European project of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme RISE 'Informal and non-Formal E-Learning for Cultural Heritage - xFORMAL', currently halfway through its lifecycle, was born to create an informal way of accessing the cultural heritage of one's territory, revealing its past, history, and the civilisations that preceded us. After two years of closure due to the pandemic, this project reintroduced an authentic experience through gamification, a contact with landscapes, museums, and archaeological sites with physical, social, and cultural dimensions of their environments across space and over time. Building upon this foundation, the article delves into the intricate design and architectural principles that underpin the creation of the xFORMAL game, showcasing it as a paradigm of informal learning. This exploration includes a detailed analysis of the game's innovative design elements, educational strategies, and its role in facilitating an engaging and immersive learning experience outside traditional educational settings.