Desktop Game Research Articles

Chinese chess competition strategy analysis based on the zero-sum game

As a desktop game with a long history, Chinese chess has been widely circulated. In recent years, Chinese chess championships have become increasingly popular. During the competition, in addition to the individual abilities of the participants, the use of different strategies in the competition also become another major factor affecting the outcome of the competition. Based on the fixed ability values of the contestants, this research focuses on discussing the selection of strategies. This paper will adopt points-based match rules in common competitions and quantify the player's ability values for making a data analysis about nine different strategies. Due to the use of a point system in the competition, this research could use zero-sum game for analysis. According to zero-sum game and Nash equilibrium, the payoff matrix could be obtained. Furthermore, a precise linear program model is built. After the calculation, this research presents a result about which strategies should be used in the competition and provide an analytical explanation.

Evolution of postural control assessment: From dynamic posturography to virtual reality.

During the early years of spaceflight it was documented that astronauts were impaired and incapacitated upon return to earth. Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) was devised to investigate and quantify this deficit, and eventually progressed into a clinical assessment tool. The current sprouting of virtual reality (VR) technologies has allowed for the development of an alternative approach that could be more informative. Many low-cost VR systems (including desktop gaming programs designed for rehabilitation) are now available. Continued improvements in this technology indicate a high probability that VR will become an integral component of posturography by replacing present mechanical CDP techniques. We researched the relevant literature to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of CDP using the Equitest (Neurocom International; Clackamas USA), and the added benefits of incorporating VR to help clinicians assess the complex task of balance maintenance. VR is capable of manipulating task and environmental demands in order to assess functional postural behavior. VR is also a useful tool for clinical testing of postural disorders resulting from sensory mismatch. Although posturography is still a useful clinical tool, VR provides an inherent conflict between the visual and vestibular senses and can elevate the effectiveness of CDP for both assessment and intervention. We conclude that, when initially developed, CDP was innovative and ahead of its time. However, with the advent of VR, we have a chance to modernize CDP and enhance its value as a clinical instrument.

DESIGNING DESKTOP-BASED LEARNING MEDIA USING EDUCATIONAL GAME APPLICATIONS IN INTRODUCTORY ACCOUNTING COURSES

This study aims to determine the effect of desktop game application design on the subject of Introduction to Accounting 2 with the topic of inventory at the Department of Accounting, State Polytechnic of Malang. In this study, the technique used is Research and Development and Model Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation (ADDIE) but is only limited to the Analysis, Design, and Development (ADD) stage. The main software used in making this educational game is the python framework, namely Pygame and the Pycharm application as a Python development. The survey was conducted at one of the universities in Malang, namely the Malang State Polytechnic which is located at Jalan Soekarno Hatta No. 9, Jatimulyo Malang City

Virtual Reality versus Desktop Experience in a Dangerous Goods Simulator

Virtual Reality applications have become a trend in training simulators as an alternative to desktop applications. However, further study is needed on how these types of serious games, which often include several modes of interaction, can improve the user experience. In this sense, this paper analyzes the differences between playing serious first-person games on a desktop computer versus playing in Virtual Reality. For this purpose, two versions of a dangerous goods unloading simulator have been implemented. The first one was developed as a classic desktop game with keyboard and mouse-based interaction, while the second was for Virtual Reality devices. The user experience has been measured with the In-game version of the Game Experience Questionnaire. With this, aspects related to immersion, flow, positive emotions, and psychological needs have been compared for these two platforms. The study shows that the Virtual Reality experience produces a better overall game experience for most analyzed items. Nevertheless, the results highlight a significant dependence between the application type and the game experience induced on the player.

Play: A Historical and Cultural Approach

The article examines the historical dynamics of the theoretical and methodological approaches to the essence of play and their significance in modern scholarship and culture. The role of play in the philosophy of ancient times is highlighted. Classical playing theories are presented: Friedrich Schiller’s and Herbert Spencer’s theories of surplus forces, Richard Lazarus’ theory of recuperation, Karl Groos’ theory of exercise and G. Stanley Hall’s theory of recapitulation. Play (as a way to achieve pleasure) is examined through Karl Bühler’s theory. We pay attention to Freud’s psychodynamic theory in the context of understanding play, as well as the views of Erickson and Winnicott. Bateson’s metacommunicative theory is singled out separately. The theory of cognitive development by Piaget and Vygotsky pays special attention to the consideration of approaches to the understanding of play. The role of play in the context of pedagogical, cultural, and anthropological research is presented. Due to the analysis of the presented theories, we made the conclusion about the role of play in present-day culture. The study aims to find out the meaning of play in the representation of modern youth. To solve the tasks set, we used the sociological research method. As a result, we surveyed the young people of the city. This survey allowed us to understand the place of play in modern young people’s lives and reveal its attitude to gaming activities. With the help of a survey, we identified such essential functions of play as relaxation and entertainment. The least important of these was the psycho-technical function. Computer and desktop games were recognized as the most popular types of play among modern young people. The least interest among respondents is caused by such a type of play as gambling. This work is only an initial stage in the study. We plan to continue the study on a representative sample.

Interactive CovidCampus Simulation Game: Genesis, Design, and Outcomes

We explore how an AR simulation created by a multidisciplinary team evolved into a more interactive, student-centered learning game. TheCovidCampusexperience was designed to help college students understand how their decisions can affect their probability of infection throughout a day on campus. There were eight decision points throughout the day. Within group comparisons of immediate learning gains and self-reported behavioral changes were analyzed. Results revealed a significant increase in confidence in asking safety-related questions. Post-play, a significant majority of players listed new actions they would take to increase their safety; players were more agentic in their choices. This game allowed players to go back and replay with different choices, but only 7% chose to replay. Short, interactive desktop games may be an effective method for disseminating information about how to stay safer during a pandemic. The game appeared to positively change most players’ health behaviors related to mitigation of an infectious disease. Designers of interactive health games should strive to create multi-disciplinary teams, include constructs that allow players to agentically make decisions, and to compare outcomes over time.

Playing a Video Game and Learning to Think: What\u2019s the Connection?

The present study examines whether playing a video game can help improve cognitive skills needed for successful performance on cognitive tasks, such as updating, which involves continuous monitoring of incoming information that results in rapid addition or deletion of information in working memory. For example, in the n-back task, the participant sees a series of rapidly presented letters on a screen and must press a key each time the current letter is the same as one presented n trials previously (e.g., 3 trials back). Young adults were randomly assigned to play CrushStations (a desktop game the authors designed to teach updating skill) or Bookworm (a commercially available word search game used as a control) for 4 30-min sessions spread over 9 days. Consistent with specific transfer theory, CrushStations players improved on performing the target skill in the game context across the four sessions (the highest level achieved). Consistent with specific transfer of general skill theory, CrushStations players outscored Bookworm players on a posttest involving accurately performing the target skill in a non-game context (n-back task). In contrast to general transfer theory, CrushStations players did not differ from Bookworm players on posttests measuring skills not directly targeted in the game (visuospatial memory task). These results show the benefits of designing educational games in line with the cognitive theory of game-based training (Parong et al., 2020).

The Slippery Path to Total Presence: How Omnidirectional Virtual Reality Treadmills Influence the Gaming Experience

Researchers, game designers, and consumers place great hopes into the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) technology on the user experience in digital games. Indeed, initial empirical research has shown that VR technology can improve the gaming experience in a number of ways compared to traditional desktop gaming, for instance by amplifying immersion and flow. However, on the downside, a mismatch between physical locomotion and the movements of the avatar in the virtual world can also lead to unpleasant feelings when using VR technology—often referred to as cybersickness. One solution to this problem may be the implementation of novel passive repositioning systems (also called omnidirectional treadmills) that are designed to allow a continuous, more natural form of locomotion in VR. In the current study, we investigate how VR technology and the use of an omnidirectional treadmill influence the gaming experience. Traditional desktop gaming, VR gaming, and omnidirectional treadmill gaming are compared in a one-factorial experimental design (<em>N</em> = 203). As expected, we found that VR gaming on the one hand leads to higher levels of flow, presence, and enjoyment, but at the same time also is accompanied by higher levels of cybersickness than traditional desktop gaming. The use of the omnidirectional treadmill did not significantly improve the gaming experience and also did not reduce cybersickness. However, this more physically demanding form of locomotion may make omnidirectional treadmills interesting for exergame designers.

Pahlawan Qarin: The Concept of Collaborative Learning Game Environment in the Understanding and Translation of the Quran among Youngsters

Computer game can be engaging learning resources, motivators and interest drivers and, as a consequence, an efficient way to enhance student learning and success ineveryday educational practice.These computer game inspire youngsters speciallyto work incredibly hard, earning even-needed practice repeatedly.Research has consistently shown that Game-Based Learning (GBL) is a way of engaging users and appealing to various modes of learning.Pahlawan Qarinis a game-based framework designed to serve as a way of understanding and interpreting Al Quran to understand its meaning and use in everyday life. It is presented as a desktop(personal computer) game featuring a Collaborative Learning Game (CLG) in which more than one player can play in a group or room using the internet link (network) simultaneously (multiplayer feature).It can be used as an aid tool for teachers in the recitation and education of the Al Quran subject, which is also taught in schools in Islamic Studies.When collaboration with other partners is carried out, youngstersare seen to be highly active in a game playing session, thus motivating them to complete any assignment given.In future, effectiveness of Pahlawan Qarinon a broader sample volume (usage by more students and teachers) will be further studied.

Membuat Game 3d Survival Horror “Suanggi Survival Papua” Berbasis Desktop Menggunakan Unity

Game is an activity that aims to have fun, light exercise, fill spare time, and sometimes used as a means of education. One of the most downloaded desktop games is a game made in Indonesia with the survival horror genre made with Unity. Unity is a user-friendly game engine that supports more than 25 platforms and provides many ready-to-use assets. The authors made a desktop-based 3d game with the survival horror genre made with Unity. The method used in this game's manufacture and design is the Multimedia Development Life Cycle, which has six stages, namely Concept, Design, Material Collecting, Assembly, Testing, and Distribution. In making this game using Blender, Camtasia Studio, Adobe Photoshop, Unity, Inno Setup, and the C# programming language. The program function testing phase has been successful using the black box method, and from this research, a 3d game called "Suanggi Survival Papua" based on the desktop with single-player mode has been produced. Games with the survival horror genre combined with the local culture can add insight into the knowledge and train the players' concentration.

Comparison of VR and Desktop Game User Experience in a Puzzle Game: “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes”

Since the contemporary game production process is based on the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) applications, it is easier for developers to create multiple versions of their game for both VR and desktop platforms. This provided a great opportunity for researchers to conduct comparative studies to explore the user experience of the relatively novel virtual reality applications In this study, we evaluated a puzzle game through a within-subjects experiment design using objective measures of game success and gameplay duration, as well as plenty of subjective measures in order to assess game user experience, comparing desktop and VR. In addition to selected dimensions of GUESS (Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale), we employed MEC-SPQ (Measurement Effects Conditions - Spatial Presence Questionnaire) to measure presence. Furthermore, we employed NASA-TLX (NASA Task Load Index) to compare the perceived task complexity of the same task executed in VR and desktop gaming environments. Results revealed that there is not a significant difference in objective measures of player performance, comparing the VR and desktop gameplay. The Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale did not reveal any significant difference between the mean scores of VR and desktop experiences. The spatial presence related dimensions of MEC-SPQ revealed significantly higher scores of VR, for Possible Actions and Self Location dimensions. NASA-TLX weighted scores were significantly higher for VR in physical load and for desktop in frustration. Our results show that a puzzle-based game experienced in VR does not lead to a higher level of satisfaction in terms of game user experience but triggers a sense of spatial presence. Due to the different control schemes, players perceive that HMD based gameplay demands more physical task load. However, the gameplay duration and game success rate are not significantly different. The failure in desktop gameplay might have led to higher frustration, since the experience seems more familiar to players. Since the results are partially concordant with previous studies, it is not possible to make a strict conclusion on the effect caused by different immersive technologies on game user experience. Further studies are required through a more consistent methodology with a focus on game design components rather than game genre.

Post-Render Warp with Late Input Sampling Improves Aiming Under High Latency Conditions

End-to-end latency in remote-rendering systems can reduce user task performance. This notably includes aiming tasks on game streaming services, which are presently below the standards of competitive first-person desktop gaming. We evaluate the latency-induced penalty on task completion time in a controlled environment and show that it can be significantly mitigated by adopting and modifying image and simulation-warping techniques from virtual reality, eliminating up to 80% of the penalty from 80 ms of added latency. This has potential to enable remote rendering for esports and increase the effectiveness of remote-rendered content creation and robotic teleoperation. We provide full experimental methodology, analysis, implementation details, and source code.

Virtual Reality Aids Game Navigation: Evidence from the Hypertext Lostness Measure.

Instead of traditional free movement, node-based movement can be used in virtual reality (VR) games. In node-based movement systems, players navigate by jumping to set locations. Node-based movement is similar to hypertext navigation. We show that the hypertext lostness measure can be used as a game analytic to evaluate navigational efficiency. In a randomized controlled trial with 25 adolescent participants, an immersive desktop game environment and a VR game environment were compared on the transmission of in-game educational content and navigational efficiency. Results show that the hypertext lostness measure is also valuable outside its original hypertext domain: in VR. VR did not improve players' retention of factual knowledge, but did significantly improve players' spatial knowledge and navigational efficiency. We conclude (a) the hypertext lostness measure is also valuable for node-based VR games and (b) VR games add to spatial learning, even when compared with already immersive desktop games.

The changing face of desktop video game monetisation: An exploration of exposure to loot boxes, pay to win, and cosmetic microtransactions in the most-played Steam games of 2010-2019.

It is now common practice for video game companies to not just sell copies of games themselves, but to also sell in-game bonuses or items for a small real-world fee. These purchases may be purely aesthetic (cosmetic microtransactions) or confer in-game advantages (pay to win microtransactions), and may also contain these items as randomised contents of uncertain value (loot boxes). The growth of microtransactions has attracted substantial interest from both gamers, academics, and policymakers. However, it is not clear either how frequently exposed players are to these features in desktop games, or when any growth in exposure occurred. In order to address this, we analysed the play history of the 463 most-played Steam desktop games from 2010 to 2019. Results of exploratory joinpoint analyses suggested that cosmetic microtransactions and loot boxes experienced rapid growth during 2012-2014, leading to high levels of exposure by April 2019: 71.2% of the sample played games with loot boxes at this point, and 85.89% played games with cosmetic microtransactions. By contrast, pay to win microtransactions did not appear to experience similar growth in desktop games during the period, rising gradually to an exposure rate of 17.3% by November 2015, at which point growth decelerated significantly (p<0.001) to the point where it was not significantly different from zero (p = 0.32).

The prevalence of loot boxes in mobile and desktop games.

Loot boxes are items in video games that may be bought for real-world money but provide randomized rewards. Formal similarities between loot boxes and gambling have led to concerns that they may provide a 'gateway' to gambling amongst children. However, the availability of loot boxes is unclear. This study aimed to determine what proportion of top-grossing video games contained loot boxes, and how many of those games were available to children. Survey of the 100 top-grossing games on both the Google Play store and the Apple App store, and the top 50 most-played games on Steam according to the data aggregator SteamSpy. The prevalence of loot boxes was measured for each platform outlined above, split by age rating. A total of 58.0% of the top games on the Google Play store contained loot boxes, 59.0% of the top iPhone games contained loot boxes and 36.0% of the top games on the Steam store contained loot boxes; 93.1% of the Android games that featured loot boxes and 94.9% of the iPhone games that featured loot boxes were deemed suitable for children aged 12+. Age ratings were more conservative for desktop games. Only 38.8% of desktop games that featured loot boxes were available to children aged 12+. Loot boxes appear to be prevalent in video games that are deemed suitable for children, especially on mobile platforms.

USING THE GAME MODEL OF GAMEPLAY IN THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITY OF LIBRARIES

The purpose of the article is to study the functions, the main forms, the characteristic features of gamification technology, which motivates to participate in the game, transforms boring learning or routine activities into attractive, interesting and cognitive; prospects of the use of game mechanics of gaming in the socio-cultural activities of libraries.In his work the author used methods of analysis, description, generalization, systematization and other methods of scientific research.The article names the range of Ukrainian and foreign researchers applying game technologies, analyzes the basic aspects of methodology, strategy, and motivation for the process of gaming.As a result of the analysis of sources, gameplay in the library is proposed to be considered as the use of gaming practices, techniques, computer and desktop games with an educational purpose, goals and objectives.Based on the practical experience of the scientific library KNUCA described the use of game gaming models during the conduct of Information games on informational literacy, which provided for the conduct of intellectual quizzes, game and practical tasks in the subject of library departments.The development of the script and the tasks of the Information games took into account the main aspects of gameplay: dynamics, mechanics, aesthetics, social interaction.As a result of studying library experience and specifics of the interactive platform Kahoot for the creation of quizzes, proposed the prospects of application gamification in the socio-cultural activities of libraries.According to the researcher, the main advantages of using gaming in the activities of libraries are: creativity and non-standard activities, establishing new forms of communication with users; forming a circle of “friends of the library”.

Cybersickness during VR gaming undermines game enjoyment: A mediation model

Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) technology have ushered in a new era of VR gaming. While VR gaming experience represents a burgeoning area of research within human-computer interaction circles, the role of cybersickness, physiological repercussions of VR exposure to users characterized by a multitude of symptoms, such as nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness, in the effect of VR gaming on game enjoyment remains understudied. In two experiments, the current study proposed and tested a causal mediation model in which the effect of VR gaming on game enjoyment was mediated by the level of cybersickness experienced during the gameplay. Results from both experiments supported the proposed model and showed that increased cybersickness levels during VR gaming led to decreases in game enjoyment, indicating that cybersickness experienced during VR gaming undermines the enjoyment of the gaming experience. Results also revealed that compared to traditional desktop gaming, VR gaming invoked greater levels of cybersickness, but VR gaming did not lead to greater levels of game enjoyment. When the effect of cybersickness on game enjoyment was statistically removed, however, VR gaming was found to be more enjoyable. The current experiments provide preliminary evidence that cybersickness may hinder the enjoyment of VR gaming experience.

The efficiency of using the technology of “edutainment” in teaching foreign languages

Modern tendencies to general digitalization in all spheres of life in our society create objective preconditions to pay teachers’attention to the new approach, constructing the educational process which has arisen recently - edutainment (from Eng. “education” and “entertainment”). The peculiarity of edutainment technology is in introduction modern forms of entertainment in the system of traditional lectures, lessons, classes, seminars and master classes, as without television programs, desktop, computer and video games, movies, music, websites, multimedia programs it is difficult to imagine the daily reality of any student. The rapidly developing innovative developments in the field of technology within last ten years gave teachers and students the opportunity to widely use all kinds ofmultimedia resources for the most effective learning of a foreign language, providing immersion in the "real" language environment. Edutainment offers resources that can be used in almost any field of teaching, and in learning a foreign language, probably even more efficiently than anywhere else. In addition to the obvious advantages of using the technology of edutainment, this article examines the effectiveness of using this kind of multimedia forstudents’ professional language skills development in comparison with traditional methods. The results of the experimental part confirmed the feasibility of using interactive resources as components of edutainment, combining them with proven classical, academic approaches to teaching foreign languages, as well as a number of shortcomings that were identified, on the basis of which warnings were formulated regarding the use of the edutainment approach to higher education in general and foreign language teaching in particular.

Simulator-assisted lean production training

ABSTRACTIn Lean Production training and education, simulators are often used. These can take the form of for instance desktop games, computer simulations, or full-scale simulators. Many training participants perceive models for experiential learning and for continuous improvement processes as complex and abstract. Based on experiences from training sessions in a full-scale simulator Karlstad Lean Factory®, a unified model for learning and improvement work is presented. This model stimulates training transfer and is perceived as intuitive. It also shows instructional scaffolding as a learning method. Suggestions for future work include investigating synergy with Smart Manufacturing and the use of Lean Production simulators for innovative product realisation.

Game-based Lean Production training of university students and industrial employees

Production simulation games are increasingly popular for training students and industrial employees in Lean Production principles. They range from paper- or desktop-based games to full scale simulators and proper manufacturing machinery. This paper reports on experiences from using both desktop games and a full scale simulator. Desktop games are suitable when training people who already have a fair understanding of lean principles. Shop floor workers usually have difficulties in seeing analogies between desktop games and their work environment. For both students and industrial workers, training effects and immersion tend to be higher when using full scale simulators.