Game Software Research Articles

A Comparative Analysis of Consumption: Evidence from a Cultural Goods Market

This study uniquely employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique to account for complex relationships in consumption. The fsQCA technique assumes that relationships are based on a set–subset relationship. This assumption is fundamental when decision-makers are affected by information asymmetry and are, thus, required to jointly evaluate the credibility and reliability of a range of external signals. This issue also affects consumers in markets for cultural goods, where the quality of products is not known with certainty in advance of the purchase decision. Our study uses fsQCA to establish the effect of different quality signals on consumption in the US market for video game software. Our results show that reviews from professional critics alongside brand extension and multi-platform release strategies act as signals of product quality and, therefore, lead to high sales performance.

Software Development of Word Search Game on Smart Phones in English Vocabulary Learning

At present, mobile devices are a medium of learning in school that is enjoyable with educational content. They are becoming as a part of daily life with new software games, which are considered as entertainment. As we all know, a word search game has been implemented on mobile devices for decades. It facilitates English vocabulary acquisition of students. The word search game on mobile devices allows education to be delivered in a more flexible way, anytime and anywhere at the students’ own place. To this paper, a survey is conducted to target Thai students at Bangkok University, Thailand. Therefore the word search game on smart phones embedded with the English dictionary, which helps Thai students to memorize the words is developed. Additionally, the process in developing the word search game on smart phones has been presented. It is expected that our research findings in English learning on mobile devices for Thai students will be further shared in the future.

How does media richness foster online gamer loyalty?

The online game market is highly popular, resulting in fierce competition among game makers and prompting them to find ways to strengthen gamer loyalty. Online gamers enjoy interacting, socializing, and building quickly formed relationships, i.e., swift guanxi, which greatly rely on games as media through which to exchange rich messages. However, it is not known how these aspects foster gamer loyalty. To fill this gap, we examine how media richness aspects form gamers’ perceptions of presence, interactivity, and swift guanxi, which help foster gamer loyalty. We used a total of 1350 online gamers’ responses to test our model. The results show that two of the four aspects of media richness effectively enhance presence, interactivity, and swift guanxi, which in turn strengthen gamer loyalty. We extend media richness theory by identifying some novel consequences of media richness, i.e., presence, interactivity, and swift guanxi, and establishing their interrelationships. We also ascertain the mechanism that leads from media richness to gamer loyalty. Our findings identify the drivers that game makers can use to strengthen user loyalty to online games, software games, and gamified systems.

Automatic Design of Balanced Board Games

AI techniques are already widely used in game software to provide computer-controlled opponents for human players. However, game design is a more-challenging problem than game play. Designers typically expend great effort to ensure that their games are balanced and challenging. Dynamic game-balancing techniques have been developed to modify a game-engine’s parameters in response to user play. In this paper we describe a first attempt at using AI techniques to design balanced board games like checkers and Go by modifying the rules of the game, not just the rule parameters. Our approach involves the use of a commercial general game-playing (GGP) engine that plays according to rules that are specified in a general game-definition language. We use a genetic algorithm (GA) to search the space of game rules, looking for turn-based board games that are well balanced, i.e., those that the GGP engine in self-play finds equally hard to win from either side and rarely draws. The GA finds better games than a random-search strategy that uses equivalent computational effort.

Safety and Feasibility of Integrating Video Gaming Technology in Acute Early Stroke Recovery

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> This study aims to examine the safety and feasibility of implementing an additional hour of time-on-task upper limb training using video game technology (VGT) or conventional Occupational Therapy (COT) in the early phase post-stroke. <h3>Design</h3> This is a randomized controlled, single-site trial. After a rollup period, sixty participants will be randomized to either a therapy group (VGT or COT) versus standard of care. Patients receive an additional hour of time-on-task upper limb training 5 days a week for the duration of their hospital stay. <h3>Setting</h3> Hospital acute stroke unit or acute rehabilitation unit. <h3>Participants</h3> Patients are eligible if they had stroke within the previous four weeks and have upper extremity weakness. <h3>Interventions</h3> VGT therapy includes the MindPod Dolphin, immersive gaming software that promotes motor recovery and bimanual arm trainer. COT includes Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Primary outcomes are safety and feasibility of adding an additional hour of VGT or COT into acute stroke units as measured by successful completion of the extra session. Secondary outcomes include time on task and session duration. <h3>Results</h3> In the rollup period, 14 patients were enrolled. They had an average age of 57 years. Initially, patients spent an average of 15 minutes time-on-task during 23 minute session; after protocol iteration they achieved 43 minutes during 80 minutes sessions. There have been no safety issues and motor endpoints and perceived exertion are measured. Study is ongoing. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study is examining the safety and feasibility of integrating VGT for an additional hour of upper limb training in the early phase of post-stroke care. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Authors have no disclosures.

Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant: a useful clinical tool in paediatric shoulder rehabilitation?

Background/aims Outpatient physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment in shoulder instability, but lack of motivation and intermittent monitoring of progress is associated with poor compliance. ‘Exergames’ (a combination of videogames and physical exercise) may provide an additional or alternative motivational factor. The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant Xbox Kinect gaming software in the management of adolescent atraumatic shoulder instability. Methods Patients completed six 30-minute sessions playing games using the Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant while participating in a therapy programme. Pain and fatigue questionnaires, functional assessments and a framework analysis of free-text comments were used. Results A total of 20 female patients (15 unilateral, five bilateral pathology, mean age 14.1 years) completed the sessions. An average session length was 10.8 mins (range 0–24 mins). After each session using the Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant, 80% were neither in pain, nor overly tired. At 2 weeks, the Stanmore Percentage of Normal Shoulder Assessment scores had improved by a mean 17.9% and 10 (50%) patients showed improvements in Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores. Overall, 15 participants (75%) liked the technology; however six (32%) preferred standard physiotherapy, because of software limitations and lack of personal interaction. Conclusions Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant gamification is applicable for this patient cohort and could be integrated into adolescent atraumatic shoulder instability rehabilitation programmes; however, results emphasise the importance of personal contact.

A gaming system with haptic feedback to improve upper extremity function: A prospective case series

BACKGROUND: Video games can be used to motivate repetitive movements in paediatric rehabilitation. Most upper limb videogaming therapies do not however include haptic feedback which can limit their impact. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of interactive computer play with haptic feedback for improving arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Eleven children with hemiplegic CP attended 12 therapist-guided sessions in which they used a gaming station composed of the Novint Falcon, custom-built handles, physical supports for the child’s arm, games, and an application to manage and calibrate therapeutic settings. Outcome measures included Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The study protocol is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04298411). RESULTS: Participants completed a mean of 3858 wrist extensions and 6665 elbow/shoulder movements during the therapist-guided sessions. Clinically important improvements were observed on the dissociated and grasp dimensions on the QUEST and the performance and satisfaction scales of the COPM (all p&lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that computer play with haptic feedback could be a useful and playful option to help improve the hand/arm capacities of children with CP and warrants further study. The opportunities and challenges of using low-cost, mainstream gaming software and hardware for therapeutic applications are discussed.

Towards the Sustainable Development of Digital Educational Games for Primary School Students in China

Despite considerable discussion on the benefits of digital educational games, empirical research on their effectiveness in primary schools in China is limited. This case study aimed to promote the sustainable development of digital educational games in primary schools in China by examining the effect of digital educational games on primary school students’ vocabulary acquisition and ascertaining their perceptions and attitudes toward this approach. Given the purposes of this study, an embedded mixed methods research design was employed. Two Grade 4 classes at a Chinese primary school were recruited in this study. During the quasi-experiment, the experimental class (n = 50) was provided with educational game software, Quizlet, while the control class (n = 50) was taught through a traditional teaching method. The results show that integrating educational games into language education in the primary schools was effective in improving students’ vocabulary acquisition. This study makes a case for further research of digital educational games in language classrooms at a primary level in China. Implications are made regarding the future sustainable implementation of digital educational games in primary schools in China.

Circular Economy and Virtual Reality in Advanced BIM-Based Prefabricated Construction

This paper presents a new virtual reality (VR)-based approach to advanced learnings and experiences of the circular economy (CE) in the construction industry. The approach involves incorporating game design and a building information modelling (BIM) digital twin of a purposed CE prototype building. Our novel approach introduces VR environments designed to provide a visual representation of materials and components that can be reintroduced into the supply chain at the end of life and their removal procedures and material provenance. A case study methodology was applied to a purposely designed CE building, namely the Legacy Living Lab (L3). To reflect the real-life building, L3’s BIM model was combined with Unify game software to advance the literature in three key areas. First, the research investigates VR tools that will allow building designers to view and implement their strategies to advance CE design. Second, this research proposes an advanced VR tool to visualise the bill of quantities (BoQ) and material stock embedded in the studied building, further understanding concepts such as buildings as material banks. Finally, the proposed VR environment defines CE techniques implemented within the case study to be disseminated across the vast construction industry. This VR research identifies three key pillars in reducing the waste generated by the construction industry: education, documentation and visualisation. Furthermore, this paper provides a visual link between the BIM, BoQ and resiliency of the selected materials.

Transcoding authenticity: preserving unreleased gaming software outside of memory institutions

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce new criteria for evaluating authenticity in digital preservation, particularly in cases related to unreleased software projects and preservation work that occurs in non-institutional settings.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive visual and formal analysis of image files is performed on three overlapping preservation efforts to understand the ways that self-appointed preservationists reframe content in varied settings. The unreleased mid-1990s console game Sonic X-Treme is used as a case study because assets from the development process have been widely preserved among former developers and enthusiasts alike.FindingsThe findings indicate that non-professional preservationists transcode original production files into a variety of formats, ranging from lossy compressed images to contemporary three-dimensional (3D) modeling files. Materials are presented in settings that range from colorful webpages mimicking the appearance of commercial software to browsable file systems. These results show that non-institutional preservation practices embody notions of authenticity that diverge significantly from those of professional archivists.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by its focus on a single case study, but helps to facilitate ongoing research concerning preservation of unreleased projects insofar as it surveys the current status of existing projects.Originality/valueExisting studies within preservation literature have established the need for increased attention paid to unfinished digital works. This study introduces new data and interpretative findings that outline such preservation efforts as they already occur in non-institutional settings.

Neurocognitive Predictors of Response to Intervention With GraphoGame Rime

This study explores the neurocognitive predictors of response to intervention with GraphoGame Rime (GG Rime), an adaptive software game designed to aid the learning of English phonics. A cohort of 398 children (aged 6–7 years) who had participated in a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) of GG Rime in the United Kingdom were studied. Half were randomly assigned to play GG Rime and the other half were assigned to Business As Usual (BAU). A series of pretests were given prior to the intervention to all participants, designed to measure phonological awareness skills, executive function (EF) skills and the ability to synchronise finger tapping to a rhythmic beat. Rhythmic synchronisation has been linked to reading readiness and early reading attainment, and is related to phonological awareness. Individual differences prior to the intervention in all three types of measure were significantly associated with progression through the game. Gender was also important for progression through the game, with boys progressing significantly further than girls. Vocabulary was not a predictor of progression through the game. Playing time, rhythmic synchronisation, phonological skills and EF skills did not differ by gender. Once playing time and non-verbal cognitive ability were controlled, phonological awareness, EF, rhythmic synchronisation and gender all remained significant predictors of progression through the game. In further analyses comparing these predictors, their interactions and controlling for the autoregressor of prior responsiveness to phonics instruction, phoneme awareness and EF skills were the strongest unique predictors. Analyses with the whole cohort (analysing BAU and GG children independently) showed that all neurocognitive measures contributed to progress in reading and spelling over the school year. We conclude that individual differences in phonological skills and EF skills predict which children will benefit most from computer assisted reading interventions like GG Rime. Further, boys respond better to this computerised intervention than girls. Accordingly, to be maximally beneficial to poor readers, the supplementary use of GG Rime in addition to ongoing classroom literacy instruction could be especially targeted to boys, but should be accompanied by a focus on developing both oral phonological awareness and EF skills.

Indirect innovation management by platform ecosystem governance and positioning: Toward collective ambidexterity in the ecosystems

This study outlines the implications of ecosystem governance and positioning regarding the indirect control of complementors’ incremental and radical behaviors in goods development and successful innovations. The study tested how the degree of openness as an indicator of governance and the degree of distinctiveness as an indicator of the positioning influenced the direction and sales performance of complementary goods by employing 9,780 samples of Japanese video game software. The statistical results showed that an increase in both openness and distinctiveness facilitates radical-oriented behavior, while the sales of complementary goods rise as openness increases at the medium level of distinctiveness. Consequently, this study indicates that high openness and appropriate distinctiveness contribute to securing ambidexterity on the platform ecosystems to facilitate balanced software development and larger sales performance.

GoRace: A Multi-Context and Narrative-Based Gamification Suite to Overcome Gamification Technological Challenges

Gamification is a potential approach to foster motivation and engagement in different contexts which popularity in recent years has encouraged its application in a diversity of domains, including health, education, business, society, or tourism. However, although all their promising benefits and rapidly developing, the gamification community should face a variety of theoretical, empirical, and technological challenges. Focusing on technological challenges, we can observe a need that claims for suitable gamification software tools that offer system-independence and flexibility, support the gamification design, implementation, and monitoring activities, and experiment with more game elements than only points, badges, and leaderboards. For that reason, this paper deals with the identified technological challenges by introducing a gamification software tool to cover the main lacks found. An analysis of the advances in gamification domain and their recent literature was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular gamification software tools in order to design and develop a flexible system-independent gamification software solution that goes beyond the implementation of the classic game elements. As a result, we created GoRace, a multi-context and narrative-based gamification suite that supports the entire gamification process, provides flexible and system-independent gamification solutions, and allows the creation of tailored and reusable gamification solutions that go beyond the classic game elements to immerse participants in a fun, engaging, and challenging narrative-based gamification experience.

An Evaluation of the Localization Quality of the Arabic Versions of Learning Management Systems

The recent years have witnessed the development of numerous Learning Management Systems (LMSs) to address the increasing needs of individuals and institutions all over the world. For accessibility and commercial purposes, many of these LMSs are released in different languages using what is known as localization systems. In this regard, there has been a parallel between the development of LMSs on one hand and the localization systems on the other. One main aspect in the recent evaluation systems and studies of LMSs is localization quality. Despite the prolific literature on localization quality, very little has been done on Arabic localization. As thus, this study is concerned with the evaluation of the localization quality of the Arabic version of LMSs. In order to explore users’ perceptions towards the Arabic versions of the LMSs, an online questionnaire was conducted. Participants were asked about their familiarity with LMSs and whether they used the Arabic versions of these systems. They were also asked about their experiences with the Arabic localization of these systems and whether they faced any problems in dealing with the Arabic version. The findings indicate that translation inconsistencies are the main problems with the Arabic versions of different LMSs including Blackboard Learn, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. These problems have negative impacts on the effectiveness and reliability of these systems in schools, universities, and training institutions. For the proper implementation of LMSs both localization and translation should go hand-in-hand. Localization developers and LMSs designers need to consider the linguistic the peculiar linguistic features of Arabic. The findings of the study have implications to translation programs in Arab universities and training institutions. Program designers should integrate translation technologies and localization systems into translation studies. They need to consider the changes within the translation industry. The study was limited to the study of translation quality in the Arabic versions of the localized LMSs. The localization quality of other software programs, games, websites, and applications needs to be explored. Finally, it is recommended to develop a quality matrix that encompasses all the dimensions and peculiarities of Arabic localization.

The effect of android-based earthquake game toward Bengkulu City elementary school student’s knowledge about earthquake disaster preparedness

Earthquake is one of the frequent natural disasters which is still unpredictable. Nevertheless, we can always be able to reduce and prevent its negative impacts by implementing earthquake disaster preparedness. This study aimed to examine the effect of an android-based earthquake game on Bengkulu City elementary school student’s knowledge about earthquake disaster preparedness. The subjects were fifth-grade elementary school students in Bengkulu City. The quasi-experiment research was conducted using Matching – Only Pre-test Post-test Control Group Design. Android-based earthquake game software used as a treatment in the experiment group. Data were collected using a multiple-choice test sheet instrument. The result found that the experiment group means knowledge about earthquake disaster preparedness was higher than the control group. It concluded that there was a significant difference between experiment group and control group. The advantages and limitations of the android-based earthquake game and its implication to earthquake disaster preparedness education discussed

Modelling three‐dimensional space to design prey refuges using video game software

AbstractRefuges can be ecologically important, allowing access only to some species or individuals and providing prey protection from predators. Creation of refuges can be used to protect threatened species from introduced predators, which can have large negative impacts that are difficult to attenuate via other means. To design refuges for conservation purposes, refuge accessibility to different species must be understood. Traditional techniques are not adequate to measure or describe complex three‐dimensional spaces which are often important refuges. We designed a novel predictive method for modeling three‐dimensional refuge space using video game software that simulates real‐world physics (Unity, PhysX). We use the study system of endemic New Zealand skinks (Oligosoma spp.), their introduced predators, house mice (Mus musculus), and the habitat of interstitial spaces within rock piles to demonstrate how this modeling technique can be used to inform design of habitat enhancement for conservation. We used video game software to model realistic rock piles and measure their interstitial spaces, and found that the spaces we predicted matched those we measured in real rock piles using computed tomography (CT) scanning. We used information about the sizes of gaps accessible to skinks and mice and the results of our modeling to determine the optimal size of rocks to create refuges which would protect skinks from mice. We determined the ideal rock size to be those with graded diameters of 20–40 mm. The approach we developed could be used to describe interstitial spaces in habitats as they naturally occur, or it could be applied to design habitats to benefit particular species.

Metasoftware: Building Blocks for Legal Technology

This Article develops a novel concept in information technology called metasoftware. It then applies the concept of metasoftware to developing legal technology. Metasoftware enables users to create the software of their choosing and stands in sharp contrast to traditional, functional software that is intended for a particular purpose or a defined range of tasks. Functional software is the default type of software that is currently produced and includes word processing, email, social networking, enterprise resource management, online marketplaces, and video game software. Metasoftware, by contrast, is not functional. Metasoftware presents the user with a blank slate upon which to build functional software. I argue that software is metasoftware to that extent that (1) it enables users to build user interface elements, workflow logic, and perform database operations, (2) provides connectivity with external data and software systems, and (3) is able to be stored and run independently from the platform that is used to build the software. In its purest form, metasoftware enables its users to build any functional software (given the existing state of technology), integrate with all open software platforms, and be hosted and run in the environment of the user’s choosing without being bound to a particular vendor or other proprietary software platform. My identification of metasoftware contributes to the academic literature on information systems (and technology). Metasoftware is a hitherto unrecognized category of software for analysis in terms of several foundational lines of information technology research including user acceptance and usage, diffusion within an organization, and impact on organizational innovation and success (e.g., business performance). I analyze three types of metasoftware platforms to determine how metasoftware characteristics are implemented in each and important inherent tradeoffs. These platforms are those closely tied to major producers of cloud-based software platforms, standalone proprietary “no code” software builder platforms, and open source visual development platforms. This Article also describes how metasoftware platforms can be used to build functional legal technology and analyzes how the tradeoffs between different types of metasoftware platforms turn impact how each type of platform should be approached as building blocks for legaltech software. I focus on four major categories of legaltech as illustrative of the potential for metasoftware to build functional software: legal research, legal matter management, contract automation, and a variety of applications of artificial intelligence.

Designing 'youth master plans' in a CLE space: lessons from using Minecraft in secondary school outreach project in Scotland

Lefebvre (1991) argued for a 'right to the city' so that more people are involved in the (re-)production of urban spaces but this is problematic to implement for 'hard-to-reach' groups such as young people. I argue that the constructivist learning environment (CLE) space developed in this paper has potential, both as theory and method, in offering an environment where young people can critically assess and re-design the spaces in the 'real' world through a virtual portal. The CLE space as a 'relational space' will be distinct to the spaces where conventional participatory approaches unfold e.g. a community hall - this is where virtual gaming software such as Minecraft have potential and which would prevent workshop 'gatekeepers' from presenting an a priori blueprint as to how design solutions ought to be carried out by young people. Policy makers can use CLE space for developing 'child-friendly cities' or 'youth master plans'.

Designing 'youth master plans' in a CLE space: lessons from using Minecraft in secondary school outreach project in Scotland

Lefebvre (1991) argued for a 'right to the city' so that more people are involved in the (re-)production of urban spaces but this is problematic to implement for 'hard-to-reach' groups such as young people. I argue that the constructivist learning environment (CLE) space developed in this paper has potential, both as theory and method, in offering an environment where young people can critically assess and re-design the spaces in the 'real' world through a virtual portal. The CLE space as a 'relational space' will be distinct to the spaces where conventional participatory approaches unfold e.g. a community hall - this is where virtual gaming software such as Minecraft have potential and which would prevent workshop 'gatekeepers' from presenting an a priori blueprint as to how design solutions ought to be carried out by young people. Policy makers can use CLE space for developing 'child-friendly cities' or 'youth master plans'.

Mogućnosti primene softvera baziranog na edukativnoj igri u obrazovanju odraslih

The paper considers the educational potentials of educational computer software in the system of formal adult education. The aim of this paper is to present the possible educational effects in primary adult education using software based on educational games. This presentation is given through the prism of research and review of relevant literature dealing with issues of adult education, the use of educational computer software, as well as the educational effects of learning through educational software games. These are often unrelated research and concern the education of children in regular primary schools. The most important results so far in this area in our country refer to the andragogical research on adult learning with the help of computer games and theoretical concepts of educational computer software. Basic education of adult students also implies the acquisition of certain digital competencies in accordance with the current needs of education and the labor market. The results of numerous studies, conducted almost exclusively in the conditions of regular education, have shown that the application of educational software contributes to better achievements of their users, as well as that the motivation to learn increases with the application of certain educational games.