First-person Shooter Game Research Articles

GAN-Aimbots: Using Machine Learning for Cheating in First Person Shooters

Playing games with cheaters is not fun, and in a multi-billion-dollar video game industry with hundreds of millions of players, game developers aim to improve the security and, consequently, the user experience of their games by preventing cheating. Both traditional software-based methods and statistical systems have been successful in protecting against cheating, but recent advances in the automatic generation of content, such as images or speech, threaten the video game industry; they could be used to generate artificial gameplay indistinguishable from that of legitimate human players. To better understand this threat, we begin by reviewing the current state of multiplayer video game cheating, and then proceed to build a proof-of-concept method, GAN-Aimbot. By gathering data from various players in a first-person shooter game we show that the method improves players' performance while remaining hidden from automatic and manual protection mechanisms. By sharing this work we hope to raise awareness on this issue and encourage further research into protecting the gaming communities.

THE USE OF VISUAL SCRIPTING UNREAL ENGINE 5 IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANDROID-BASED FPS GAME LEFT BEHIND

The popularity of Android mobile games in Indonesia is very high, but the majority of the games available are from overseas. Therefore, local game developers need to improve the quality of their products in order to compete with games that already exist in the Indonesian market. The purpose of the preparation of this research is to develop a zombie First Person Shooter (FPS) game entitled Left Behind which was developed using the Visual Scripting method and is expected to be an inspiration for developers in pouring their work by making quality games. This Left Behind FPS game was developed using Unreal Engine 5 as a game engine and later the game can be played on an Android smartphone. Unreal Engine 5 is an opensource game engine that was released in 2022 so that it can present high quality graphics. In testing the application, it is proven that the use of high graphics can be run on Android devices smoothly.

Predicting VR cybersickness and its impact on visuomotor performance using head rotations and field (in)dependence

Introduction: This exploratory study aims to participate in the development of the VR framework by focusing on the issue of cybersickness. The main objective is to explore the possibilities of predicting cybersickness using i) field dependence-independence measures and ii) head rotations data through automatic analyses. The second objective is to assess the impact of cybersickness on visuomotor performance.Methods: 40 participants completed a 13.5-min VR immersion in a first-person shooter game. Head rotations were analyzed in both their spatial (coefficients of variations) and temporal dimensions (detrended fluctuations analyses). Exploratory correlations, linear regressions and clusters comparison (unsupervised machine learning) analyses were performed to explain cybersickness and visuomotor performance. Traditional VR human factors (sense of presence, state of flow, video game experience, age) were also integrated.Results: Results suggest that field dependence-independence measured before exposure to VR explain ¼ of the variance of cybersickness, while the Disorientation scale of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire predicts 16.3% of the visuomotor performance. In addition, automatic analyses of head rotations during immersion revealed two different clusters of participants, one of them reporting more cybersickness than the other.Discussion: These results are discussed in terms of sensory integration and a diminution of head rotations as an avoidance behavior of negative symptoms. This study suggests that measuring field dependence-independence using the (Virtual) Rod and Frame Test before immersion and tracking head rotations using internal sensors during immersion might serve as powerful tools for VR actors.

The Social Accomplishment of Seeing Together in Networked Team Play

Background This article focuses on communication in team-based esports, particularly in the ways that callouts enable players in team-based First-Person Shooters (FPS) to collaboratively link their own perception and awareness of in-game actions to that of their teammates. Callouts are short, community-based utterances that players use to communicate vital details of fast-paced action in competitive games. Aim We provide an empirically-based theorization of why callouts appear to be especially important in team-based FPS games, which, because of the limited fields of vision and split-second decision-making, require players to communicate what is happening to the others in the team as they navigate the game environment. Methods To describe this distributed perception, we borrow from studies on active military settings that term this seeing together as interperceptivity and employ ethnomethodology in our analysis of the minute details of players’ actions in the screen recordings as they extended their team’s collective perception and awareness of in-game activities and events. Results Through this paper, we contribute to the ongoing research on understanding communication and collaboration in team-based games. The callout sequences (and aligning actions) are orienting towards sharing individual perceptions for the (co)construction of an interperceptivity of in-game activities. Hence, callouts form a precondition for coordinated play. Conclusion The introduction of this concept to game studies can help in making sense of a key capability in networked team-based games; that is, how players collectively construct a situational awareness that encompasses teammates’ perception. Also, because of the essential role of callouts and interperceptivity in highly-skilled networked play, we point to some of the cultural contexts in which this practice is accomplished.

Analysis of Consumer Psychology Phenomena in First-person Shooter Games Based on Literature Review and Case Study Method

The study is grounded in the evolving challenges of the FPS (First-Person Shooter) gaming industry, particularly focusing on marketing difficulties and the application of consumer psychology, as demonstrated in the Cyberpunk 2077 case. This study aims to assist first-person shooter (FPS) game production companies or studios in enhancing their marketing strategies to increase their games' appeal to consumers and prevent bankruptcies or break-ups. Through case analysis such as Cyberpunk 2077, The study explores consumer psychology's application in FPS games, including microtransaction systems, scarcity items, community competitions, and lottery mechanics within the games. The study reveals that game companies, in designing and implementing these elements, need to carefully consider consumers' psychological responses and needs to provide products and services that meet their needs. Moreover, game companies need to regularly interact with players to understand their needs, make timely adjustments and updates to the game, and offer professional customer service. By understanding and applying the principles of consumer psychology, game companies can better design and manage their games, meet the needs of players, and increase their satisfaction and loyalty.

Associations between physical activity and digital gaming activity among Finnish adolescents

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) for adolescents is an important health promotion habit to develop, yet other activities may be more appealing during this stage in life. According to the displacement hypothesis, time on digital games takes away the opportunity to be physically active. As there is a notable decline in PA levels between the ages of 11y- 15y in Finland, there is an urgent need to investigate potential areas that contribute to the decline. According to the 2021 Finnish Player Barometer, 65% of Finns play digital games regularly. The aims of this study were to investigate the associations between PA and digital gaming, and to examine how these associations may change by gaming genres. Methods A Finnish national representative sample (n = 1979) of 11y-15y olds, completed a self-report survey in spring 2022. Variables included PA behaviour, the frequency of digital gameplay, by sport simulation and Esports genres, and various confounders (gender, age, disability, economic status). Analyses were carried out by chi-square tests and multi-logistic regression analyses (no/low activity as reference categories). Results A third (32%) reported daily PA. Daily digital gameplay was more common among males (74%) than females (26%) and decreased from 11y (53%), 13y (30%) to 15y (17%) olds. After controlling for confounders, playing ball sport simulations (e.g. FIFA) was associated with taking part in 5 or more days/week of PA, or sport club participation (OR = 2.8, CI = 1.7-4.4), whereas playing a lot of first-person shooter games, as an Esport, was negatively associated with sport club participation (OR = 0.6, CI = 0.4-0.9) when compared to the reference categories. Conclusions The displacement hypothesis was supported partly among Esport players, but not by simulated sport gamers. Targeted interventions to promote physical activity with digital gaming, require a genre-specific approach. Key messages • Associations between physical activity and digital gaming activity among young adolescents is genre specific. • Frequent playing of digital games were more common among male 11-15y olds than females.

Method of Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Training FPS Game Players in the Timing of Shots

In first-person shooter (FPS) games, players often need to calculate the timing of their shots for moving targets in advance based on the speed and relative position of those targets. For most players, the accurate timing of shots requires extended gaming experience and training. Unlike professional players, hobby players have less time to compete and train, do not receive professional game guidance, and cannot afford expensive gaming devices. According to previous studies, wearable devices with electrical stimulation can effectively control the muscles with rapid reactions. Here, we provide a method for training the timing of gaming shooters using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). We believe that training with EMS is feasible and effective, allowing players to quickly learn and improve their gaming experience. To test the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach, we first tested the player's reaction time when using the EMS device to ensure that it did not have a negative impact on the player. Participants were then trained in a custom FPS game with three methods: EMS, non-EMS and EMS-only. The results showed a more significant increase in the average hit rate of EMS-trained participants compared to those trained using the other two methods. Thus, our study shows the possibility of using EMS devices as a training medium for a custom FPS game.

The Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Gaming Instinctual Motivation Scale.

Being able to quantify gaming motivation in a valid, systematic way has important implications for game designers and gaming user experience researchers. In the present study, we aimed to develop and validate a 30-item Gaming Instinctual Motivation Scale (GIMS) based on Dillon's 6-11 Framework on instinctual gaming motivation and Lazzaro's gaming experience model. To validate the scale, we recruited 194 regular gamers (Mage = 22.70 years old, SD = 4.38) to complete the GIMS based on their general gaming experience and their experience playing role-laying games (RPGs), first-person shooters (FPSs), real-time strategy, puzzle, and action games. We used a cross-validation approach and performed exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to test the structure of the scale and the reliability and validity of the scale, respectively. The final version of the GIMS had a one-dimensional structure with 15 items. It also had good construct validity, χ2 (N = 117, df = 86) = 126.28, p = 0.003, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, and RMSEA = 0.064 (90% CI [0.04, 0.09]), and reliability (CR = 0.89), and an acceptable convergent validity (AVE = 0.35). The one-dimensional structure was generalizable to RPG and FPS games, demonstrating the applicability of the scale to these two gaming genres. Higher scores on the GIMS were also associated with a greater intention to play games.

A Combination of Caffeine, TeaCrine, and Dynamine Improves the Neurophysiological and Performance Measures of Electronic (E)-Gamers.

Video games require precise motor skills, quick reaction times, and cognitive engagement. The tremendous growth of the electronic (e)-gaming industry has increased the demands for cognitive supplements (e.g., nootropics) to help e-athletes gain a competitive edge. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined caffeine + TeaCrine + Dynamine measures of neurophysiological and first-person shooter game performance in e-gamers. Using a randomized double-blinded, crossover design, we assessed the effects of an acute, single-dose treatment of caffeine (200 mg) vs. caffeine (200 mg) + TeaCrine (10 mg) + Dynamine (50 mg) (CTD) vs. Ppacebo (maltodextrin). Each participant was tested under all three conditions one week apart. Baseline and post-dose measures were tested one hour apart. Participants [n = 49 male (24.4 ±, 4.5 yr)] were amateur e-gamers who play a first-person video game for at least 10 hours/week. Gaming performance was assessed through a series of first-person shooter training games through AIMLAB (State Space Labs, Inc., New York,USA). These included Reflex Shot (RS) standard, speed, and precision. The neurophysiological activity was captured while participants played three games through a single-channel EEG. In the standard game, the caffeine and the CTD conditions shot significantly more targets relative to the placebo, and both caffeine and the CTD condition had significantly greater targets post-dose compared to pre-dose. However, both the placebo and caffeine conditions had significantly slower reaction times post-dose compared to pre-dose. In the speed game, both the caffeine and placebo conditions shot a significantly greater number of targets, while the placebo and caffeine conditions had significantly more shots post-dose compared to pre-dose. Only the CTD condition had a significant increase in total kills post-dose compared to pre-dose. In the precision game, only the CTD condition significantly improved the number of kills per second post-dose, while only the caffeine condition had more shots post-dose. EEG data collected concomitantly with game playing showed that the CTD condition resulted in significantly lower alpha power compared to the placebo condition. The CTD group also showed increased theta activity post-dose during game playing compared to both the placebo caffeine conditions. CTD appears to improve overall shooting gaming performance and neurophysiological measures of cognitive activity compared to caffeine and placebo. Collectively, these findings suggest that CTD assists with speed-accuracy tradeoffs where caffeine-only can lead to erratic play; thus, CTD may be particularly beneficial for shooting precision. The EEG data support this notion since the CTD exhibited lower alpha power suggesting increased cognitive flexibility and arousal and higher theta power suggesting greater cognitive control and decision-making under pressure.

Gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining its effect on loneliness & motivation, playing and gratification differences between competitive and recreational gamers

This study examined the relationship between video game playing and loneliness and compared competitive players and recreational players in gaming, motivations, gratifications and future intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Overall, the study found players felt moderately lonely during the pandemic, and first-person shooter (FPS) games, fighting games and sports games made a difference in overcoming the lonely feelings. The study also found competitive players spent more time on all genres of games. In particular, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and fighting games were more popular among competitive players as they were more skill demanding. The study found competitive players and recreational players had different motivations. Competitive players were more motivated by competition, achievement, and Schwabism, whereas the recreational players were more motivated by escape and passing time. Lastly, recreational players felt more gratified than competitive players and expressed a stronger intent to return to gaming in the future than competitive players.

Kinematic markers of skill in first-person shooter video games.

Video games present a unique opportunity to study motor skill. First-person shooter (FPS) games have particular utility because they require visually guided hand movements that are similar to widely studied planar reaching tasks. However, there is a need to ensure the tasks are equivalent if FPS games are to yield their potential as a powerful scientific tool for investigating sensorimotor control. Specifically, research is needed to ensure that differences in visual feedback of a movement do not affect motor learning between the two contexts. In traditional tasks, a movement will translate a cursor across a static background, whereas FPS games use movements to pan and tilt the view of the environment. To this end, we designed an online experiment where participants used their mouse or trackpad to shoot targets in both visual contexts. Kinematic analysis showed player movements were nearly identical between contexts, with highly correlated spatial and temporal metrics. This similarity suggests a shared internal model based on comparing predicted and observed displacement vectors rather than primary sensory feedback. A second experiment, modeled on FPS-style aim-trainer games, found movements exhibited classic invariant features described within the sensorimotor literature. We found the spatial metrics tested were significant predictors of overall task performance. More broadly, these results show that FPS games offer a novel, engaging, and compelling environment to study sensorimotor skill, providing the same precise kinematic metrics as traditional planar reaching tasks.

Impact of focus of attention on aiming performance in the first-person shooter videogame Aim Lab.

Research examining the impact of Focus of Attention (FoA) has consistently demonstrated a benefit of adopting an external FoA over an internal FoA across a variety of sports and other domains. However, FoA research has yet to be applied within the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming. This study investigated whether an external FoA provided benefits over an internal FoA for aiming performance in First-Person Shooter (FPS) videogames, using the aim-training game Aim Lab. The study explored whether the level of participants' previous experience of FPS games impacted any effect, as few studies have investigated this directly. Participants with high (N = 20) and low (N = 17) FPS experience who had a minimum of 200 hours FPS experience were selected for the study. The participants were instructed before each set of ten trials to either attend to their wrist/arm movements (internal FoA) or to the target (external FoA). There was no significant main effect of FoA on performance and no significant interaction between FoA and experience. In contrast to findings in other studies, an external FoA provided no performance benefits over an internal FoA in the FPS game Aim Lab. We discuss methodological issues related to the measures used and suggest avenues for future research with a view to improving understanding of putative underlying mechanisms for FoA effects.

3D First-Person Shooter Game Development Using Unreal Engine 5

Abstract: This research paper will explore the development of a 3D first-person shooter game using Unreal Engine 5. The paper will cover the basics of game development using Unreal Engine 5 and how it can be used to create a 3D first-person shooter game. Unreal Engine has changed significantly over the years and thus this paper will also explore the new features and techniques introduced in recent years. Additionally, the paper will discuss the challenges faced during the game development process and how they were overcome.

The Role of Social Presence in Relationships Among Gender Stereotypes, Sexism, and In-Game Sexual Harassment Among Young Korean Gamers.

Despite the rapidly increasing number of female gamers worldwide, female players are still experiencing discrimination, stereotyping, and objectification in digital games. The present study examined the relationships among gender stereotypes, sexism, and sexual harassment in online games, and further investigated how enhanced social presence contributes to intensifying the effects of gender stereotypes and sexism on sexual harassment. An online survey was conducted among 521 young male Korean gamers who regularly play two genres of online games: role-playing games and first-person shooter games. The results of moderated-mediation analyses using Hayes PROCESS macro models confirmed that gender stereotypes had significant effects on hostile and benevolent in-game sexism. A significant interaction was also observed between in-game sexism and social presence in predicting sexual harassment in online games. The findings from this study confirm the role of social presence as an amplifier that reinforces gender stereotypes and discrimination in competitive and violent online game environments.

Regularly Playing First-Person Shooter Videogames Improves Dynamic Visual Acuity.

This study investigated the dynamic visual acuity (DVA) in young adults that play action video games regularly compared with non-action video games players and those without regular experience in videogame play. The results indicate better performance in some measurements of DVA in action video game players. This study aims to provide new insights about performance on DVA assessments in young adults who play action video games regularly. A cross-sectional study was conducted between action video game and non-action video game players with 47 participants, range from 20 to 30 years old. DVA with 2 different angular velocities, 57 °/s and 28.5 °/s and three different contrast, 100%, 50% and 10% were evaluated. A second analysis with 33 participants compared DVA between action video game players and non-experience videogames or less than 1 hour/week in gaming. Dynamic visual acuity in the first analysis revealed a non-statistical significance between groups in all the experimental conditions with 57 °/s and 28.5 °/s in three different contrasts. The second analysis with 33 participants revealed a statistical significance in DVA at 57 °/s and 28.5 °/s with contrast 100 %, P = .003 and P < .001, respectively. Dynamic visual acuity seems to have better performance in young adults spending more than 5 hours/week with action videogames, mostly first-person shooter games.

3D Zombie Hunting Game using VR

A first-person shooter game with full shooting is called 3D VR Zombie Hunter. The game’s setting will be a 3D indoor environment model, which will be created in accordance with the game’s specifications and improve the appeal and realism of the setting. The mapping of the VR-Box joystick is used in this game to assist with shooting, reloading, and player movement. The joystick has a total of 6 buttons, including the major 4 buttons and a joystick that can be moved 360 degrees. The game’s shooting and reloading functions are performed by the supporting 2keys. The addition of a joystick will make the VR-Box experience even more maneuverable. Bluetooth will be used to link mobile head sets and joystick buttons for long-range wireless connectivity and to activate key gaming features. The gadget will translate the joystick buttons you press to enable in game functionality. Players will have an immersive and interactive first-person shooter experience with the 3D VR Zombie Hunter game. Players will be able to direct the movement and actions of their virtual character in the game by using a VR-Box joystick with Bluetooth connectivity and a variety of buttons for various in-game tasks. The game will be more realistic and immersive thanks to the use of a 3D indoor environment model. It will be interesting to see how players’ gaming experiences are improved by the joystick’s mapping to the VR-Box and mobile headset.

Troid: A Real-Time Multiplayer FPS Game

Abstract: Troid is a real-time multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) game designed to be played on a web browser without the need for a high-end PC or dedicated graphics card. The game allows two players to join a room and engage in a fast-paced, action-packed gameplay experience. The purpose of Troid is to provide a high-quality FPS game that can be enjoyed on any device with a modern web browser and an internet connection, regardless of hardware specifications. Unlike most FPS games that require high-end hardware to run smoothly, Troid is optimized for minimal requirements. Troid's front-end is built using a reactive web framework that facilitates the creation of fast and interactive user interfaces, while the game's graphics and animation are created using a 3D graphics library. Real-time communication between players is facilitated using a reliable real-time communication library, and an in-memory data store is utilized to store player coordinates and other in-game data. Overall, Troid exemplifies the potential of creating highquality multiplayer games that can be played on any device with a modern web browser and an internet connection, without compromising on the gameplay experience.

Countering Toxicity in Online Competitive Games

Toxicity within online games has been a huge topic that players have expressed concern with. It is an unhealthy situation that will affect players’ emotions and playing experience. This paper will, firstly, dive into the definition of toxicity to make clear of what kind of behaviors are considered toxic. Secondly, the different types of toxicity will be introduced, of which the definition and level of impact on players will be examined. With the types being established, case study research with popular first-person shooter game Overwatch will be conducted to grasp the pattern and impact of toxic actions in game. The research has conducted observations while participating game matches to record all instances of toxicity and searched for online forum posts that discuss about toxicity to gather public opinion of said subject. Last but not least, the currently implemented counteracting methods against toxicity will be discussed while sharing the possibility of future improvement of such methods. With this paper, the problem of toxicity in online games will be shed light on and emphasized to raise more attention from players, researchers, and even game developers, therefore making the community clean and positive for gamers.

강화학습 상태 텐서 차원에 따른 학습 효과도

In reinforcement learning, an agent takes actions in an environment, which is interpreted into a reward and a “representation of the state”. It is well known that the performance of the reinforcement learning is dependent on the “data model representing the state” of a given environment. This paper proposes a data model representing the state which is suitable for a FPS (First Person Shooting) game, a military tactics simulator that changes state extremely and needs decision making quickly. The proposed data model consists of matrix (multi-dimensional tensors) for spatial features and vectors for non-spatial features. To prove the usefulness of the proposed data model, this paper shows experimental results for a FPS game.

Association of commonly reported musculoskeletal pain with the ergonomic risk assessment of first-person shooter personal computer gamers: a cross-sectional pilot study

Introduction: Few to no literature on ergonomic risk assessment focus on gamers and musculoskeletal pain. While there is evidence on the ergonomic risks in mobile gaming, console gaming, and exergaming, there is none particular for first-person shooter games where accuracy and speed of mouse movements are important. The objective of the study is to assess the ergonomic risk and identify its association to the commonly reported musculoskeletal pain of first-person shooter computer gamers. Methods: The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment was used to determine the ergonomic risk of 10 gamers using a single chosen frame from 30-minute videos taken while playing a first-person shooter game. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to identify commonly reported musculoskeletal pain. Fisher Exact Test was performed to quantify the relationship between these variables. Results: The level of musculoskeletal disorder risk resulted with 80-90% having medium risk and 10-20% having very high risk. Low back and neck pain are the most prevalent pain present in 60% and 50% of the participants respectively. No significant relationship was found between the variables with P values of 0.40 for the left view and 0.13 for the right view. Discussion: Other factors outside the scope of the study should also be considered such as pain external to gaming, duration of gaming hours, amount of rest periods, and participants’ age. The study provides a protocol that future studies may reference for gaming, specifically in an online setting. However, the relationship between ergonomic risk and commonly reported musculoskeletal pain is found to be statistically insignificant.