Computer Entertainment Research Articles

Development of the Video Game Industry in China in the Beginning of 21st Century

The policy of reform and opening-up led to the formation of the PRC game industry, which became an important element of the socio-economic landscape of the state during the last two decades of the XX century. The Chinese authorities' ban on importing foreign consoles at the very beginning of the 21st century strengthened the local PC sector and multiplayer games market. This not only became the driving force behind the industry's development, but was also used by the political establishment to strengthen ties with young people through various cultural, historical and propaganda projects, as well as support for cyber sports. Active government involvement was a response to the rapid expansion of the national computer entertainment industry, which started to cover a broader population; this led to both positive and negative consequences. Regulatory authorities focused on the impact of the gaming industry on young people, consistently expanding regulations and establishing stricter and clearer rules of behavior in virtual space and on the Web. At the same time, some restrictions may have been formal in nature, allowing the Chinese computer entertainment sector to maintain and develop international ties. In addition, the PRC authorities restrained the penetration of Western firms into the local market through regulatory mechanisms, seeking to make this process controlled, but preserving opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with the leaders of the Western industry. Favorable conditions were also created for the competitive development of local gaming firms, which led to the formation of a group of the strongest companies, which, having strengthened their positions in the domestic market, began global expansion. Thus, the gaming business has become another element for the modern Chinese state to demonstrate its national power and expand its international influence.

Virtual robots based on multi task scheduling algorithms in visual graphic design and digital art applications

With the application of virtual robots and computer entertainment interaction, the design process of digital art has undergone new development. In the process of art design, AI image technology provides users with more interactive experiences. This article investigates the application of virtual robots based on multi task scheduling algorithms in visual graphic design and digital art. This article proposes a new approach that uses a multi task scheduling algorithm to unify graphic design and image edge detection tasks. Graphic design involves creating and editing graphic elements, and image edge detection extracts useful features by analyzing edge information in the image. Use multi task scheduling algorithms to schedule and optimize tasks, in order to allocate computing resources reasonably and maximize the overall efficiency of tasks. The results show that the multitask scheduling algorithm dynamically determines the execution order and time allocation of tasks based on their priority and resource availability. It can adjust task scheduling according to real-time situations to adapt to different computing environments and task requirements. Through comparative experiments, it has been proven that the method based on multi task scheduling algorithm achieves better results in graphic design and image edge detection tasks, and can significantly improve computational efficiency.

WITHDRAWN: Sustainable practices in entertainment computing

The increasing progression of the entertainment computing industry, covering primarily gaming, streaming, and virtual reality, results in detrimental consequences to the environment in terms of excessive energy demands for information processing and an increased amount of e-waste created by users. Sustainable entertainment computing is thus calling for improved strategies in management of such concerns with green solutions. This research work is aimed at identifying the approaches and tools which can be used to support the idea of sustainable computing in entertainment technology. The critical objective is to propose the use of energy efficient hardware and software and utilization of power in data centres from renewable energy resources. Lifecycle analysis, from production to disposal, is employed to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of both hardware and software. Furthermore, there are green certification and eco-labels on products and services to guarantee that, they are environmentally amenable. The findings suggest that several sustainable initiatives, namely development of energy-efficient hardware, optimized software and energy from renewable sources for data centres can be useful to minimize the entertainment computing sector’s impact on the environment. This paper provides a framework for entertainment technology companies towards more sustainable in their computing practices and therefore, adding to the growing list of organizations that are trying to push the entertainment industry towards a more sustainable future.

Computer user profiles in early adolescence and digitally assessed mathematics: A latent class analysis

This study aimed at exploring the pattern of computer usage among early adolescents in Italy, about one year before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed at developing and testing models on the associations between socio-demographic characteristics, computer-user profiles, and mathematics achievement. A three-step estimation of Latent Class Analysis models and auxiliary variable models was applied to data collected on a sample of 1155 students attending grade 8 in Italy in the school year 2018–19. Four subpopulations were uncovered, which differ both with regards to their activities with computers (desktop, laptop, and tablet computers) and the likelihood of being daily users. Students’ socioeconomic and cultural background and gender predicted their pattern of computer usage, which in turn predicted digitally assessed mathematics. The main results suggested that excessive and almost exclusive use of computers for entertainment and communication purposes may depict an “at-risk" profile in young adolescents, with possible negative consequences for their learning achievements. This profile was more likely to be found among students from more disadvantageous backgrounds and males, at least before the COVID-19 pandemic started.

A retrospective analysis and systematic review of the areas of entertainment computing and persuasive technologies for health

The areas of entertainment computing and persuasive technologies are interdisciplinary fields that have gained increasing attention in the last decades. Health is one of the domains that has leveraged the benefits of fun to improve the results of its technology-enabled interventions. Previous work has reviewed the area of health entertainment from many different perspectives; however, an integrative analysis across disciplines (health sciences and computer science and engineering) throughout the development and validation cycle of technologies in this domain is missing. Having such an in-depth retrospective analysis would shed light on how research on entertainment computing and persuasive technologies for health has evolved, acknowledging its contributions, recognizing its strengths and limitations, and, as a result, allowing for the definition of ways forward. This paper engages in an unprecedented systematic review of the work produced between 2004 and 2017 in this area. From an initial total of 10,350 retrieved results, a total of 1,307 full-texts were included in this review and were thoroughly examined to gain a retrospective understanding of the type of studies that have been produced. Among others, this systematic review reports on the trends, venues of publication, and the characteristics of the studies including methodologies, sample characteristics, study design, the type of solutions produced, the conditions and domains of application, and the purpose of the studies. Results show that there is a growing body of research in the area, with most studies being published in roughly the same venues, and where the lion's share of solutions fall into the area of health rehabilitation and motor conditions. With regards to the most addressed health domains, our review shows that most solutions produced are aimed at stroke and fitness, followed by balance training. Most studies (82.3%) are conducted with their target population, mostly adults (18–49 y), and are conducted either in the lab or in clinical settings. However, the median sample size of the studies has remained stable (N = 20) in the last decades. Regarding technology, 2D and 3D solutions are equally used, and most systems employ movement sensors and are single-user. Finally, only 21.4% of the studies are performed using validated instruments.

Analysis of the popularity of cyber sports among higher education acquires

Transformations of all aspects of life led to a change in the socio-cultural situation in the field of leisure, one of the forms of which became computer games. Along with the growing popularity of eSports in the world, the interest in eSports among student youth continues to grow. However, scientific information on the popularity of eSports among students of higher education institutions remains limited, which prompted us to conduct our own research and test this hypothesis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of popularity of e-sports among students of higher education in Ukraine. Contingent. 271 students of higher education institutions of Ukraine took part in the study, which was carried out from September to November 2022. Research results. It was determined that 41.7 % of students of higher education institutions are interested in, or rather are interested in, e-sports. It has been proven that e-sports is statistically significantly (p<0.05) more attractive to male students than to female students (p<0.05). It was recorded that there are 20.0% more female students who are not at all interested in eSports compared to male students, while among male students, there are 20.1 % more students who are very interested in eSports. It was found that among female students there are 23.9 % more students who are completely convinced that there are no eSports enthusiasts among their relatives/friends. Among male students, compared to female students, a 6.3 % higher share spends more than 4 hours a day on computer entertainment, but the recorded differences are not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, regardless of gender, a statistically significant (p<0.05) majority of respondents are absolutely convinced of the significant impact of eSports on the development of society. Conclusion. Cybersport is popular among student youth. Esports attracts more male students compared to female students. Students recognize the significant impact of eSports on the development of society regardless of gender.

The Modern State and Development Trends of the Russian Criminal Market of Some Categories of Goods Allowed for Commerce, under Pandemic Conditions

The author analyzes the contemporary state of the criminal market of goods allowed for commerce in the Russian Federation, and its changes under COVID-19 conditions. The analysis uses statistical data of different governmental organizations that register the trade in such goods, as well as on the expert evaluations by leading Russian and foreign analytical companies specializing in the analysis of illegal trade. The author assessed the dynamics of the situation with several groups of goods most common in commerce, which were subdivided into industrial goods and foodstuffs. The pandemic led to a considerable transformation of the criminal markets segment connected with the illegal trade in industrial goods. This transformation was primarily caused by changes in the share distribution for traditional industrial goods in this segment (for example, an increase in the share of goods that were not significant for trade before the pandemic - medications, medical equipment and personal protective equipment, automobile parts, etc.), as well as the appearance of new groups of goods on the criminal market, where an increase in illegal trade is caused by the desire of the state to compensate for the damage brought about by the pandemic through excise duties (cigarettes, tobacco products). The analysis of the situation on the criminal market of foodstuffs shows negative trends connected with shadow trade in both alcohol and some other foodstuffs, especially dairy and fish products. At the same time, these segments of the criminal market are widening rapidly, and their future prospects can be described as unfavorable due to the virtualization of the market. Besides, new segments are being formed on the legal market (for example, the market of virtual goods that are only valuable for gamers in the sphere of computer entertainment), and their development is also determined by the pandemic and the absence of legal regulation of trade within these segments.

Mixing Story and Simulation in Interactive Narrative

Simulation is a common feature in computer entertainment. However, in computer games simulation and story are often kept distinct by interleaving interactive play and cut scenes. We describe a technique for an interactive narrative system that more closely integrates simulation and storyline. The technique uses a combination of semi-autonomous character agents and high-level story direction. The storyline is decomposed into directives to character agents to achieve particular world states. Otherwise, character agents are allowed to behave autonomously. When the player’s actions create inconsistency between the simulation state and storyline, the storyline is dynamically adapted and repaired to resolve any inconsistencies.

Implementation Walkthrough of a Homegrown “Abstract State Machine” Style System in a Commercial Sports Game

When I began working at Sony Computer Entertainment of America in 2002, the AI system they were using was very dated. Over the next few years, I designed and developed an almost completely data driven system that has proven to be very powerful, extremely extensible, and designer friendly. This system uses a homegrown data structure, the use of which in many ways resembles the software method of using Abstract State Machines for decomposing complex logical constructs iteratively. This paper will provide an overview of the construction and usage of the system, as well as the pros and cons of this type of game AI engine.

ENRICHING VOCABULARY WITH ADJECTIVES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ READING LITERACY

The trend observed in the education system is that pupils often spend their free time using mobile phones or computers for entertainment. As a result, pupils have a rather modest vocabulary, which poses a problem to formulate and express their thoughts in the learning process, to describe the central thesis in more detail, for example, using adjectives.The research aim is to determine the methods used in teaching adjectives and their usefulness in the Latvian language class in order to improve pupils’ reading literacy. The research methods include analysis of corresponding theoretical and methodological literature, a teacher survey, and processing and interpretation of the data obtained. The most appropriate methods for teaching the topic “Adjective”, according to the teachers, are the explanatory illustrating and reproductive method; whereas the documents studied concerning the introduction of competency-based education recommend mainly the heuristic and research method, and this creates a relative mutual discrepancy. To promote the pupils’ reading literacy, teachers need to explore the children’s interests and use them as the basis for creating methodological materials about adjectives which correspond to modern reality and are fascinating and interesting to pupils. Such an approach would motivate pupils to appreciate the importance of using adjectives in everyday life. In the Latvian language class, when teaching the topic “Adjective”, teachers need to try and work as counsellors, gradually guiding their pupils to achieving the goal by noticing different patterns for adjectives, like competency-based education provides.

Investigating sports behaviors and market in Taiwan for sports leisure and entertainment marketing online recommendations

Sports are not only physical and mental activities, but also include leisure and entertainment activities. Sports leisure and entertainment marketing is an element of sports promotion that involves a wide variety of sectors and events in the sports industry. This particular style of marketing is concerned less with using a single strategy and more with using the content of sports, leisure and entertainment to assist online marketing efforts. This study examines the behaviors of Taiwan sports behaviors and market, a total of 1200 valid questionnaire data is organized for a database design. Data mining approach for entertainment computing, including cluster analysis and association rules, is used to determine the sports models of delivery and products. Using cluster analysis, we divide Taiwan sports participants into three clusters and then find each group’s profiles. In addition, this study implements a rule-based recommendation approach, association rules, for investigating subjects’ sporting as well as leisure and entertainment behaviors in terms of sports leisure and entertainment marketing and personalized recommendations.

ЗНАЧЕННЯ СТАРТАПІВ У ПІДПРИЄМНИЦЬКІЙ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

With the existing complexity and variability of the modern market, the question of the expediency of further development and support of entrepreneurial activity remains relevant. In a reality where large funds are earned from the sale of information, communication, gadgets and computer entertainment, for a successful and rapidly growing business, you need to create your own startup. The main purpose of this work is to study the content analysis of the term "start-up", the specifics of the development of start-ups in entrepreneurial activity and the development of proposals for their activation. The article contains a content analysis of theoretical and semantic constructions in the definition of the term "startup". The author's vision of the term "startup" is provided, by which it is proposed to understand a new promising form of doing business, offering an innovative product or service, the purpose of which is rapid growth and scaling. The distinctive features of startups are considered, which include: short operational life cycle; unique idea; development of a high-tech product and innovative technology; scaling and high investment risks. The main stages of start-up development are revealed, namely: the seed stage; launch; early growth; extensions; exit. Certain problems in the development of startups have been identified. The types and characteristics of information technology startups are investigated separately: financial technology startups; medical technology startups; legal technology startups; educational technology startups. Complex process of development of startups in business should be: increased investment in intellectual potential; state support of domestic technological startups; information support for startups. Within the framework of the study, startups are recognized as key players in the venture capital market and are the main driver of innovative development of entrepreneurial activity, which increases interest in its unambiguous definition and research. It is the development of start-ups that contributes to the development of entrepreneurial activity, since with the emergence of an opportunity to embody ideas, innovations are introduced into business, science and other spheres of life.

RETRACTED: Image recognition of martial arts movements based on FPGA and image processing

The work is to perceive the intricate karate activity groupings consequently. It is to give a proportion of the nature of the activity performed. This is because there is a problem that requires essentially model. This work can be removed from the two motion capture hardware and consumer derived from the input sequence. The solution for the skeleton's movement proposed a depth-sensing system. The speed of the body's action because there is a karate sport classification.On the other hand, because the practice with even skilled martial arts for years, behavior patterns are repetitive. Similarly, there is no interest in the commercial market for solutions used in today's computer entertainment and tutoring system. The future of collecting analysis of elements present in the correct posture, accelerated by a punch and kick, the different aspects of performance, such as synchronizing the limb's movement and evaluation. This work aims to provide a survey to evaluate the quality of the whole body movement technology. It proposes a data set and its plan to implement the first reference file of the work's future. Generally speaking, FPGA is programmable with a group of programmable interconnect resources through digital circuits or programmable logic blocks surrounded by input/output blocks. Any system silicon chip is put together. The processor and the FPGA are essentially indeed parallel.

Machine Learning Vs Deep Learning: Which Is Better For Human Activity Recognition

Human activity recognition(HAR) is used to describe basic activities that humans are performing using the sensors that we have in smartphones. The data for this activity recognition is captured by various sensors of mobile phones or wristbands such as accelerometer, gyroscope and gravity sensors.HAR has grabbed the attention of various researchers due to its vast demand in the fields of sport training, security, entertainment health monitoring,computer vision and robotics. In this project we compare different machine learning and deep learning algorithms to find a better approach for HAR. The dataset comprises six activities i.e. walking, sleeping, sitting,moving upward, moving downwards and standing.In this demonstration we also showed confusion matrix,accuracy and multi log loss of various algorithms. With the help of accuracy, confusion matrix of algorithms we compare and determine the best approach for HAR. This will help in future research to map the activities of humans using one of the best approaches used

Preventive Self-Care Serious Games for Diabetes: A Game Design

Diabetes is a significant factor that contributes to obesity. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of patients, including adults and children diagnosis of diabetes. Extensive awareness has been carried out for educating people to prevent from diagnosed with diabetes such as sharing the information through electronic media, social media, forum by medical experts, and others. However, less implementation of awareness is given through entertainment computing, such as serious games to attract people to learn in a fun way. In order to overcome the problem, a serious game to prevent diabetes through awareness was developed, namely as Grab2BeHealthy to educate people in choosing healthy food. The primary purpose of this study is to design the game architecture for this serious game using SGDA framework. There are a few literature studies addressed on game design framework and the implementation of a serious game in the healthcare industry, especially for awareness and diseases prevention. The game design architecture was developed using game design framework as a guideline to meet the objective of prevention. The prototype development has been tested by 50 players to proof the game design architecture.

(За) Облачная реальность

(За) Облачная реальность

Projection Mapping: Interactive Operation using Kinect

Recently “entertainment computing” (EC) technology becomes a hit term in Japan. There is a well-known “projection mapping” in this EC. Projection mapping is a video technique that synchronizes real space and virtual space, and the fascinating world view that the fusion of both produces attracts worldwide attention. On the other hand, recently, works combining dancer performance with projection mapping to create a fantastic world are drawing attention. However, in order to make the content persuasive, it is necessary for the performer to perform precise work, such as accurate alignment of the image coordinates of the moving object in the projection video, and it is not easy for everyone to do so. In this study, we aim to entertain not only the people who see the projection mapping but also the performer through the interaction with the projection mapping. So, we prototyped an interactive projection mapping that changes according to user’s movement by projecting to the user. This time we focused on sports like baseball and soccer, and we projected the ball to the user by projection mapping so that we can experience pitching and lifting. Furthermore, we conducted a questionnaire survey to evaluate the sense of use of this system, and the results showed that many people can enjoy by this projection mapping.

Engineering digital motivation in businesses: a modelling and analysis framework

Digital motivation refers to the use of software-based solutions to change, enhance, or maintain people’s attitude and behaviour towards specific tasks, policies, and regulations. Gamification, persuasive technology, and entertainment computing are example strands of such a paradigm. Digital motivation has unique properties which necessitate careful consideration of its analysis design methods. This stems from the strong human factor involvement, and if it is not implemented effectively, it can result in digital motivation being perceived negatively or leading to reduced motivation. The emerging literature on the topic includes approaches for creating digital motivation solutions. However, their primary focus is on specifying its operation, for example, the design of feedback, rewards and levels. In this paper, we propose a novel modelling language which enables capturing digital motivation as an integral part of the organisational and social structure of a business, captured via goal models. We also demonstrate how modelling of motivational techniques at this level, the goal level, enables a more powerful analysis that informs the introduction, design and management of digital motivation. Finally, we evaluate the language and its analysis using different perspectives and quality measures and report the results.

Editor's Message to Special Issue of Entertainment Computing

Editor's Message to Special Issue of Entertainment Computing

Network-Based Procedural Story Generation

Procedural story generation has become an important research area due to its attractiveness to computer entertainment applications. Several approaches have been proposed to create procedural stories for games based mainly on logic programming and decision trees. These approaches use a set of possible events that are executed based on how the player interacts with the story. However, these approaches commonly use a fixed set of characters with predefined relationships. In contrast, in this article, we propose an approach that creates dynamic stories based on two networks: a handcrafted event network and a dynamic artificial social network created for each new story. This allows each story to have its own set of characters with a unique relationship network, resulting in an even wider range of possible stories. We demonstrate this with some examples and discuss how this approach can be implemented for interactive computer entertainment systems, such as video games.