Game Development Research Articles

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.

Systematic RPG Development Maximizes Player Engagement in Global Context

This study presents the systematic development of an Adventure RPG game titled "Tomorrow Will Come" using the ADDIE method, aiming to enhance understanding of RPG game development. Leveraging the Godot Engine and GDscript programming language, the research follows the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation phases. Feedback from beta testers highlights positive gameplay experiences but suggests room for improvement, particularly in gameplay difficulty. The findings underscore the significance of iterative design and player feedback in refining game mechanics. Overall, this research contributes to advancing RPG game development methodologies and emphasizes the importance of innovation and user-centric design in creating compelling gaming experiences. Highlight: 1. ADDIE method enhances structured RPG game development. 2. Player feedback refines mechanics, enhancing overall quality. 3. Godot Engine innovates technical aspects, prioritizing user-centric design. Keyword: RPG game development, ADDIE method, Godot Engine, Player feedback, Iterative design

Innovative Educational Game: Designing and Developing Interactive Web-Based Memory Card Games as an Educational Media for Children

In the dynamic landscape of children’s education, innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping engaging and effective learning experiences. This research focuses on the design and development of an interactive web-based memory card game as an innovative educational tool. Grounded in the waterfall method, the development process prioritizes sequential stages to ensure robustness. Performance testing, using PageSpeed Insights, evaluates the game’s speed and efficiency, aiming to enhance user experience. The results, showcased by a remarkable score of 99, affirm the careful consideration given to optimization techniques. This research not only contributes to the broader understanding of game-based learning but also provides concrete insights for developers. The memory card game stands as a testament to the seamless integration of technological innovations into children’s education, promising enduring contributions to the future of learning.

The Cake is a Lie

Authenticity is commonly discussed by scholars specialized in game localization. Their discussions range from the challenge professional localizers face to the role of using authentic materials in the classroom to train new localization professionals. This paper discusses the issue of localization practices and game authenticity, addressing how game developers and localization professionals debate this issue. To do so, the paper defines localization and authenticity and presents a literature review on the theme. After that, we present the results from interviews and fieldwork at game conventions on three different themes: culture and authenticity in games, game changes during localization process, and authenticity definitions. We conclude that the discussion between authenticity and localization should be based on the localizer’s language so the research about this topic can be further investigated.

Analysis the Enhancement of User Game Experience Based on Digital Media Designing

In the context of the digital era, video games, as an emerging form of entertainment, have become the focus of research in terms of their design and optimization of user experience. This study focuses on the application of digital music in games and its impact on player experience, aiming to reveal how music elements deepen the immersion and emotional resonance of games. According to the analysis, digital music significantly enhances game immersion and players' emotional engagement through dynamic music systems, close integration with game narratives, and innovative applications in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games. In particular, games such as Traveler provide players with a unique empathic experience and deep emotional impact through well-designed music and sound interactions, demonstrating the central role of music in enhancing game narratives and building game worlds. However, the study also points out the technical, subjective, and culturally sensitive limitations of digital music in game design, challenges that need to be faced and overcome by future game developers and music creators alike.

Chessirah Game Innovation in Helping Students Remember Islamic History Facts

The ChesSirah innovation that was developed aims to help students easily remember the facts about Islamic history in Islamic Education subjects. Middle school students find it difficult to understand or remember the contents of the subject Sirah because they were too many information that need to be memorized at one time. Therefore, this game was created to help students understand and remember the subject of Sirah well, in addition to introducing the game of chess to students who are new to this game. The game of chess is increasingly growing among young people and it can help shape creative and critical thinking skills among students. This study was carried out qualitatively, namely by interviewing 5 middle school students to examine the success of this game. The results of the interview were analyzed thematically. The results of the study found that students gave a positive and good perception of the ChesSirah game development innovation. This game can help instill a competitive attitude and seriousness in studying and achieving success among students. The combination of chess games (co-curriculum) and Sirah subjects (curriculum) can simultaneously benefit students well.

Creating Interactive Scenes in 3D Educational Games: Using Narrative and Technology to Explore History and Culture

Three-dimensional games are an indispensable tool in education and cultural transmission, offering users immersive experiences that facilitate learning through engagement and direct experience. The aim of this study was to design and implement an advanced cutscene sequencer in Unity 3D, targeted at educational and cultural games, to assist game developers in producing cinematic interludes, which are a key narrative element in games. The project methodology encompassed a detailed process of planning, design, and implementation. This involved the comprehensive use of various tools, including Unity 3D for game development, C# for scripting, Visual Studio for integrated development, Git for version control, Blender for 3D modeling, Substance Painter for texturing, and Audacity for audio editing. These tools collectively facilitated the development of a robust cutscene sequencer system designed to create engaging and dynamic narrative scenes. The project’s results indicate that the use of an advanced sequencer can significantly impact the efficiency and creativity of the game and educational material creation process, offering developers the opportunity to explore practically unlimited viewing perspectives. This tool enables the creation of rich and diverse visual experiences, which is crucial for engaging and educating players.

An Adversarial Approach for Automated Pokémon Team Building and Metagame Balance

Meta-game balance is a crucial task in game development, and automation of this process could assist game developers by vastly reducing time costs. We explore and evaluate a meta-game balance model over the recently proposed VGC AI Competition Framework. We propose an adversarial model where team builder agents try to maximize their win rate by narrowing to the most optimal team configurations, resulting in a reduction of the diversity of Pokémon employed, while a balancing agent re-adapts the Pokémon inner attributes to incentive the team builder agents to incorporate a greater variety of Pokémon into their teams increasing the meta-game's overall diversity and balance. one Furthermore, we developed multiple team builder agents divided into two groups: the first group assumes that individual Pokémon advantages are the primary factor to determine the outcome of game matches; the second group also exploits the implicit synergy between teammates. These agents make use of meta-gaming, linear optimization, and evolutionary search to find strong combinations against the current meta-game. The strongest team builder is faced against the team meta-game balance agent for its evaluation. Deep learning is also employed to predict the outcome of matches and recommend constructive elements of teams.

Choosing to be gay: Authentic outcomes, agency and identity in Life Is Strange1

Life is Strange is a modern classic of storytelling in games that allows players to make consequential choices at the level of action as well as at the level of narrative. But does it also allow players to play as their authentic selves, or does it constrain them within frameworks of ethics that are assumed by its authors? This study uses an approach that combines elements of ludology, the focus on games as systems that are altered by players through a mechanistic interface, and the application of structuralist narratology. The latter allows us to textually analyse Life is Strange as a case study of a progression game with emergence characteristics, in which mechanics are treated as functional units of narrative. In addition, we draw from a unique quantitative source. Every choice made by players of Life is Strange is recorded and available to see in the public domain. This allows us to compare the narrative structure encoded into the game at the level of action, with the choices players made at the level of narrative. The outcome shows that players subverted hegemonic expectations, within affordances created for them by the game developers, demonstrating an unexpected level of player agency.

Simaksaja: visual novel game with TyranoBuilder software for Islamic moderation in elementary schools

The study aims to determine the development, feasibility, and effectiveness of the Simaksaja game. The research was conducted due to the lack of development of digital games based on religious moderation in elementary schools. This research and development refer to the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) type of Dick, Carey, and Carey model. Data were collected through student and teacher needs analysis, media expert and material expert validation tests, effectiveness tests, structured observation, in-depth interviews, and document study. The research subjects were 46 teachers and 46 students for the needs analysis and effectiveness test in 2 schools in the District and City of Magelang. The research findings stated that the game features character-driven material, the introduction of the characters Ning and Gus, and quizzes. Based on the feasibility test, the game expert scored 72%, the moderation material expert 88%, and the Aswaja Annahdliyah material expert 72%, and it was feasible to use. This game is effective based on the effectiveness test in two elementary schools, scoring 80% from the educators’ response and 87% from the students’ response. The novelty of the research is that the TyranoBuilder game contains religious moderation characters, Aswaja Annahdliyah, Pancasila student profile, and Rahmatan Lil Alamin student profile.

Enhancing Serious Game Design: Expert-Reviewed, Stakeholder-Centered Framework.

Traditional serious game design methods often overlook stakeholder needs. This study integrates stakeholder theory and enterprise architecture (EA), along with the Architecture Development Method, to propose a novel framework for serious game design. Crafted to aid practitioners, researchers, and specialists in leveraging resources more effectively, the framework is validated through a design science research methodology. Expert reviews have further refined its features, making it a robust tool for enhancing serious game design and implementation. This paper introduces a framework for designing serious games, covering stakeholder analysis, requirements gathering, and design implementation planning. It highlights the importance of expert review in validating and refining the framework, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability for use in serious game design. Through critical assessment by experts, the framework is optimized for practical application by practitioners, researchers, and specialists in the field, ensuring its utility in enhancing serious game development. The next step will be to validate the framework empirically by applying it to a serious game development project. We developed and validated a conceptual framework for serious game design by synthesizing stakeholder theory and EA through literature review, concept mapping, and theory development by way of a design science research approach. The framework is iteratively refined and validated via expert review, drawing on insights from professionals experienced in serious games, stakeholder theory, and EA. This method ensures the framework's practical relevance and effectiveness in addressing real-world design challenges. An expert review by 29 serious game practitioners validated the framework's success in stakeholder management, confirming its stakeholder-centered effectiveness. Although the experts praised its structured approach, they suggested clearer guidance for game design elements. In addition, the experts, while acknowledging the framework's complexity, saw its depth as valuable for efficient management. The consensus calls for a refined balance between detailed functionality and user-friendly design, with the framework's impact on stakeholder capabilities revealing a spectrum of professional needs. This paper presents a framework for creating effective and organizationally aligned serious games. Evaluated across execution, practical, and EA levels, it is logical but varies in ease of understanding, with experts calling for more accessibility at the EA level. It enhances stakeholder efficiency and management but is criticized for rigidity and a need for flexibility. Recommendations include streamlining the framework, enhancing clarity, reducing administrative tasks, and incorporating clear guidelines on technology use, motivational elements, and operational tools. This aims to help stakeholders produce more targeted and adaptable game designs. The next iteration will be developed after application to a project and team feedback.

Heading towards sustainability: An exploration of circular economy teaching methodologies through games, online platforms, and digital innovations

The Agenda 2030 of the United Nations (UN) calls upon the education sector to develop educational processes that contribute to students acquiring the necessary competencies for sustainable development. However, this education must be adapted to the demands of current generations to make learning meaningful, as exemplified by the use of innovative resources such as serious games and simulations. In order to identify innovative teaching methodologies for sustainability and circular economy education, a systematic literature review was conducted based on documents published from 2008 onwards in the Scopus and Web of Science. As a result, 99 innovative games and digital resources were mapped. It was observed that the literature often mentions them superficially and focuses on higher education levels. Information regarding the availability of tutorials, the complexity level of the game, the time required for the activity, and the instructional level demanded is lacking. By mapping these gaps that should be considered in future research and in the use and development of innovative games and resources, this study provides interdisciplinary contributions that may be of interest to educators, corporate training professionals, and game developers.The conclusions highlight the need for integrated, holistic and longitudinal approaches in education for sustainability and circular economy.

An Introduction to the OutSMART Cancer Serious Game: Current and Future Directions.

Given that cancer is a challenging disease that plagues millions of individuals of all age groups and socioeconomic statuses globally, developmentally appropriate education is often lacking for young people, particularly adolescents. Increasing cancer awareness and prevention education among adolescents using innovative strategies, such as game-based learning, is critical in reducing the burden of this disease. Adolescents are understudied in the field of cancer prevention and control, yet vulnerable as they tackle creating life-long health behavior patterns. Targeting cancer prevention education for adolescents has the potential to support long-term healthy behavior and reduce their risk of cancer. This paper provides an overview of the Collaborative Research on MEdication use and family health (CRoME) Lab's novel game-based cancer prevention education tool. OutSMART Cancer is an innovative, novel educational intervention in the form of a serious game. Serious games are educational tools that seek to impart knowledge and improve behaviors in their players. This game covers information related to breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. This viewpoint is a summary of the developmental process for the OutSMART Cancer game. We describe in detail the work preceding initial game development, the current version of the game, future directions for the game, and its educational potential. The long-term goal of OutSMART Cancer is to improve cancer awareness and knowledge regarding prevention behaviors in adolescents and support a lifetime of health and wellness.

The development of a serious game for laser applications in dentistry and the evaluation of dental students' satisfaction

BackgroundThis study aimed to design and implement a gamified application about the theoretical aspects of laser applications in dentistry and investigate students' satisfaction with their learning experience.MethodsAn engaging educational program named Essential Skills and Knowledge in Learning Laser (ESKILLD) was developed to teach laser applications in dentistry. The program comprises two primary components: a “Tutorial and Quiz” section and a “Games” section. Final-year dental students were tasked with installing and using this application. A 29-item validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94) was used to evaluate students' perceptions of the applications' design and functionality. The influence of participants' gender and Grade Point Average (GPA) on their satisfaction levels was examined via the student t-test and Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe study had 56 participants, of which 37 were female (66.07%), and 19 were male (33.92%). The students' average GPA was 15.16 out of 20. The mean rating for ESKILLD's design and functionality was 1.39 ± 0.47 and 1.37 ± 0.46, respectively, signifying a high satisfaction level. Female students rated the application's coherence and learning perception significantly higher than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). However, gender did not significantly influence scores on other perception aspects or overall scores. Students' GPAs and their perception scores did not have a significant correlation.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the participants were generally satisfied with the game's features and attitudes towards it, which underscores the potential effectiveness of gamification in dental courses focused on laser applications.

Examination of Projects Produced in the Metaverse as an Opportunity for Architecture

The study questions the role of the metaverse universe in the field of architecture. In this context, the article aims to determine this new field's potential, understand its boundaries and analyse what kind of projects have been produced in the architectural field to date. Descriptive analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study, and the analysis data was obtained from Archdaily's database, a popular architectural platform. All of the studies obtained from here are current, and the oldest project dates back to 2020. The evaluation of projects was evaluated according to the criteria of different space types (Hyper Reality, Abstracted Reality, Hybrid Cyberspace, Hyper Virtuality), smart city/building, creative-innovative design, social value creation, interaction-socialization, new spatial experiences, digital art, and cultural value creation. Among the projects analyzed, there are projects developed by architects and designed by video and game developers. As a result, in the metaverse universe, futuristic, free designs are developed, and historical and cultural structures are revitalized and passed on to future generations. Complex 3D visualizations can be easily produced in the metaverse instead of using various software. In the future, the metaverse is expected to radically change and transform the discipline of architecture in education, design, and practice.

An approach for serious game design and development based on iterative evaluation

An approach for serious game design and development based on iterative evaluation

Understanding Toxicity in Online Gaming: A Focus on Communication-Based Behaviours towards Female Players in Valorant

Online multiplayer video games have emerged as a significant social platform, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering solace and community for many individuals, particularly young people. However, alongside the benefits, online gaming environments have also become breeding grounds for toxic behaviours, disproportionately affecting minority groups within the gaming community, such as women. This study explores toxic behaviours within the competitive gaming environment of Valorant, focusing on communication-based toxicity experienced by female players. Through participative observation and analysis of game recordings, the study identifies various forms of toxicity, including verbal abuse, gender-based harassment, and sexual innuendos. Findings reveal a reluctance among female players to use voice communication due to fear of harassment, perpetuating gender stereotypes and marginalising women within the gaming community. Moreover, the phenomenon of smurfing exacerbates issues within the community, contributing to heightened frustration and hostility, particularly towards minority players. Addressing toxic behaviours in online gaming requires a comprehensive approach involving game developers, community initiatives, and education efforts to promote inclusivity and respect. By fostering a culture of mutual respect, the gaming community can create a safer and more welcoming environment for all players.

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DESIGNING GAMES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHING

This article discusses the use of information technology to enhance the teaching process for elementary school students through game development. It highlights the crucial role of games in engaging and motivating students, as well as improving the effectiveness of learning. By incorporating technology into game design, educators can establish an interactive learning environment that stimulates students' curiosity and encourages exploration. The article also examines the advantages of technology in education, such as personalized content, instant feedback, and diverse learning experiences. Furthermore, it presents a method for utilizing information technology to create educational games for elementary school students, supported by specific examples.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0777/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Tri Hita Karana as the foundation for digital game development

Tri Hita Karana as the foundation for digital game development

Variability of games in the process of human development

The article focuses on the stages of gaming culture development from instinctively contemplative and copycat to socialization and conscious education through games. Special attention is given to the intergenerational transformation and gradual transition of game information from natural instincts to meaningful practical use of the game and expansion of game activities. The influence of the social environment on the development of game activities is revealed. The goal of the research is the historical analysis of the development of game activity, as the basis of regulation of cultural relations, in the process of human development. The scientific novelty consists in clarifying the historical stages of the game development, which is an internal necessity of the existence of a living organism, with the preservation of quality and a change in its social qualitative state. Conclusions. For millions of years a man, maintaining his biological basis, has transformed games from an instinct into a social phenomenon. In ancient times the game by its very nature was the imitation (observation of animal behaviour, natural phenomena) with elements of motional experience. In the process of industrial activity, with the change of social relations a man socialized the game, which became a necessary means of education and hardening of the body. With the change of social relations the role of a game, as the principle of spiritual, mental, intellectual and physical development of a man, gradually increased. Thanks to the subject endowed with thinking, who constantly replenished his life experience, the game became more meaningful and necessary. It acquired a potential opportunity to adapt to any climatic and geographical conditions. With each stage of human development the essence of the game as a social phenomenon was formed in a new way.