Game System Research Articles

Greening by enhancing self-efficacy: a viewpoint on employee-inclusive Octalysis framework

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how gamification can be utilized to promote Employee Green Behavior (EGB) within organizations thereby enhancing corporate sustainability. The research aims to propose a structured gamification framework that can effectively motivate and engage employees in sustainability initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The viewpoint reviews existing literature on gamification, and its impact on EGB. The authors propose a conceptual model that highlights critical components for Octalysis framework and map this against various player types for various phases of a gamified system. Findings The Octalysis framework, with its eight core drives, is found to be an effective tool for fostering EGB by leveraging both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The viewpoint demonstrates that categorizing employees into distinct player types and tailoring gamification strategies accordingly can overcome motivational barriers and encourage sustained engagement in green practices. Originality/value This study introduces a novel approach to corporate sustainability by integrating gamification into EGB initiatives. This innovative approach enhances the understanding of EGB and provides practical insights for implementing effective gamification strategies in corporate sustainability efforts.

Introduction to Cloud Gaming

Cloud Gaming can be defined as a technology that enables gamers to play video games using cloud-based servers and infrastructure, rather than relying on local hardware for processing and rendering game graphics. In cloud gaming, the games are streamed to the player's device with the help of the internet, allowing them to play high-quality games without needing to own a high-end gaming console or PC. The solution helps people to play games on their computers regardless of their own system as their gaming needs are met with the help of good enough customer service in the cloud. It also helps to overcome the problems of traditional games such as conflict and mobility. In this article, we will take a look at various aspects of Cloud Gaming System (CGS) to explain the many advantages and capabilities this concept has.

Effects of Collaborative Support on Learning in Serious Games for Programming

This study examines the effectiveness of a collaborative support method in enhancing programming learning outcomes in a serious game. The game Code Hasp was developed to facilitate the comparison between two support methods, worked examples and a collaborative peer support approach. A total of 111 elementary school students participated, divided into two groups. The experimental group received collaborative support from teammates alongside worked examples, while the control group relied solely on worked examples. Pre- and post-test results and in-game data revealed that the collaborative support method improved learning efficiency and problem-solving skills. A notable effect of the process was the emergence of a leadership role in most collaborative groups. The game’s support design and shared goal structure mitigate potential problems associated with unbalanced participation. These findings suggest that collaborative support systems in serious games are a promising strategy for promoting engagement and improving learning outcomes in programming education.

Punishment or reward? Environmental information disclosure in Chinese listed companies based on evolutionary game systems

AbstractIn February 2022, the Chinese government implemented a mandatory environmental information disclosure policy for publicly traded corporations. To assess the factors influencing environmental information disclosure, we developed a tripartite evolutionary game system model based on strategic interactions between the government, enterprises and the public. Afterwards, we conducted a simulation to examine the systemic interaction equilibrium among the parties involved. Additionally, we assessed critical factor changes in decision‐making for three stakeholders: initial strategy selection, related policy subsidies, regulatory penalties and public incentives. Incorporating Gaussian white noise into the evolutionary game model enhances the realism of simulations, allowing for a more accurate representation of how random disturbances affect decision‐making among the government, the public and enterprises. The study reveals that the active participation of the public in information disclosure activities has a certain degree of substitution effect on the government's choice to regulate high‐quality information disclosure by enterprises actively. The penalty mechanism is more effective than the subsidy mechanism. The public's decision‐making process is susceptible to the direct economic benefits that enterprises can gain from disclosing low‐quality environmental information.

Exploring the Impact of Game Elements and Technological Platforms on Dementia Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

One effective strategy to improve the quality of life for people with dementia (PWD) is rehabilitation, though patients often show reluctance due to the disease’s effects. A trending motivational approach is gamification. However, most research in this field has focused on the medical or technical aspects of system development, with less attention given to the role of game elements in the patient experience. In this study, a scoping review based on the PRISMA method was conducted on gamified rehabilitation systems, focusing on gamification elements, and interaction with technological platforms. By reviewing 46 studies, we extracted game elements based on the gamification pyramid, technological platforms, and rehabilitation methods, and compared them with previous studies on PWD interactions. This analysis identified opportunities and challenges for future research. Additionally, nine factors to improve user experience in the design of gamification systems for dementia rehabilitation were presented based on the review results.

Serious Game Development for Public Health: Participatory Design Approach to COVID-19 Quarantine Policy Education.

Public health education plays a crucial role in effectively addressing infectious diseases such as COVID-19. However, existing educational materials often provide only foundational information, and traditional group education faces challenges due to social distancing policies. Addressing these gaps, our study introduces a serious game called "Flattening the Curve." This interactive experience immerses learners in the role of quarantine policy managers, offering unique insights into the effects and challenges of social distancing policies. The development of the game adhered to the SERES framework, ensuring a scientifically designed foundation. To achieve its learning objectives, the game incorporated learning and game mechanics including an agent-based infection model, a social distancing policy model, and an economic model, which were developed based on previous literature. After defining a broad concept of scientific and design foundations, we used a participatory design process. This study included 16 undergraduates and took place over one semester. Participants played the game, gave feedback, and answered surveys. The game was improved based on participants' feedback throughout the process. Participants' feedback was analyzed based on the Design, Play, and Experience framework. Surveys were conducted before and after the activity and analyzed to assess participants' evaluation of and satisfaction with the game. The game successfully achieved its learning objectives, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease characteristics; the disease transmission process; the necessity and efficacy of quarantine policies and their delicate balance with economic factors; and the concept of flattening the curve. To achieve this, the game includes the following: (1) an agent-based infection model based on the modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Hospitalized-Recovered (SEIHR) model with five infectious disease scenarios; (2) a quarantine policy model with social distancing, travel control, and intensive care unit management; and (3) an economic model that allows users to consider the impact of quarantine policies on a community's economy. In response to participatory design feedback, the game underwent meticulous modifications, including refining game systems, parameters, design elements, the user interface, and interactions. Key feedback included requests for more scenarios and engaging yet simple game elements, as well as suggestions for improving the scoring system and design features. Notably, concerns about the fairness of the outcome evaluation system (star rating system), which could incentivize prioritizing economic activity over minimizing casualties, were raised and addressed by replacing the star rating system with a progress-based vaccine development system. Quantitative evaluation results reflect participants' positive assessments of the game through the learner-centric approach. The serious game "Flattening the Curve," developed through a participatory design approach, emerges as a valuable tool for public health education, particularly concerning social distancing policies. The game and its source code are openly accessible online, enabling widespread use for research and educational purposes.

Global Lipschitz stability for an inverse coefficient problem for a mean field game system

For an inverse coefficient problem of determining a state‐varying factor in the corresponding Hamiltonian for a mean field game system, we prove the global Lipschitz stability by spatial data of one component and interior data in an arbitrarily chosen subdomain over a time interval. The proof is based on Carleman estimates with different norms.

Research on the recycling decision of WEEE in rural China under dual supervision

Against the backdrop of promoting green, low-carbon, and high-quality development, this paper aims to promote efficient recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in rural China. In this paper, considering the integrated development of urban and rural areas and the standardization of industrial recycling system, under the joint action of the extension of producer responsibility and “dual regulation” of supply and marketing cooperatives, the evolutionary game model and system dynamics model of three-level recycling network of farmers, supply and marketing cooperatives and retailers are established. The mechanism of the participants to promote the recycling of WEEE in rural areas is discussed and the strategic choices and interactive relationships of various entities in the evolutionary process were used to analyze through the evolutionary game method. Meanwhile, using the theory of system dynamics, the main influencing factors of different evolution stages and the dynamic change process of the system are analyzed. The results show that: (1) supply and marketing cooperatives, retailers, and farmers can initially tend to participate in and supervise the recycling of WEEE; however, (2) they can finally achieve strong supervision, actively undertake and participate in the recycling and stabilization stable strategy of rural WEEE depends on their benefits and cost of expenditure expenditures are reasonable. (3) The strategic choice of supply and marketing cooperatives has the most significant impact on the strategic choice of retailers and the strategic choice of retailers has the most significant impact on the strategic choice of farmers.

Game Lab Innovations in Education: Insights from a Board Game Design Project

From the perspective of educators, game development has great potential as a teaching method, as it promotes group collaboration, project-based learning and the development of content tailored to a given target group. This paper is based on a study that was carried out through an international project, implementing an educational game development concept called Game Lab into an educational context. The study explored professional development topics such as game-based learning, game development, and game testing, along with the Game Lab method focusing on group dynamics, progression, and creativity. It employed an abductive analysis of written responses from twelve teachers who participated in the Let’s Play project, which involved a Game Lab component. The teachers, ranging in age from their thirties to their sixties, represented all levels of education from preschool to upper secondary school. They responded to a survey with open-ended questions and reflection notes, providing insights into their experiences with game development methods as pedagogical tools. Their responses were analyzed to identify key themes and patterns. Findings suggest that this approach has broadened participants' perspectives on utilizing diverse games and game development techniques in education, aligning with prior research on production pedagogy. It underscores the importance of integrating in-game content with real-world contexts as a modern teaching method. Participants also highlighted that effective game-based learning supports a constructivist approach to teaching over behaviorism. The participants emphasized their increased insight and understanding of game development and game systems and how the combined effect of educational game design and the Game Lab method (working in teams) resulted in a more valuable learning outcome than they would have experienced alone. They also reported an improved understanding on how working with the development of a board game made them dig much deeper into the topic at hand. In addition, they found that this increased their motivation for learning, knowing that this was going to be a product that was to be tested and played by others (pupils and teachers). Furthermore, the participants highlighted the role of group dynamics in fostering teamwork and consensus during the collaborative game development process.

A Study on the Production-Inventory Problem with Omni-Channel and Advance Sales Based on the Brand Owner’s Perspective

This study explores a supply chain product-inventory problem with advance sales under the omni-channel strategies (physical and online sales channels) based on the brand owner’s business model and develops corresponding models that have not been proposed in previous studies. In addition, because the brand owner is a member of the supply chain, and has different handling methods for defective products or products returned by customers in various retail channels, defective products or returned products are included in the supply chain models to comply with actual operating conditions and fill the research gap in the handling of defective/returned products. Regarding the mathematical model’s development, we first clarify the definition of model parameters and relevant data collection, and then establish the production-inventory models with omni-channel strategies and advance sales. The primary objective is to determine the optimal production, delivery, and replenishment decisions of the manufacturer, physical agent, and online e-commerce company in order to maximize the joint total profits of the entire supply chain system. Further, this study takes the supply chain system of mobile game steering wheel products as an example, uses data consistent with the actual situation to demonstrate the optimal solutions of the models, and conducts sensitivity analysis for the proposed model. The findings reveal that increased demand shortens the replenishment cycle and raises order quantity and shipment frequency in the physical channel, similar to the online channel during normal sales. However, during the online pre-order period, higher demand reduces order quantity and cycle length but still increases shipment frequency. Rising ordering or fixed shipping costs lead to higher order quantity and cycle length in both channels, but variable shipping costs in the online channel reduce them. Market price increases boost order quantity and frequency in the online channel, while customer return rates significantly impact inventory decisions.

Price index for computer games: What is hidden from the naked eye?

This paper presents a study of the price dynamics of a wide range of video games in the time period from 2008 to 2020. During the research, a necessary database for analysis was created, video game prices were modeled using econometric methods, and price indices were constructed for various game genres: RPG (Role-Playing Game), strategy (Strategy), action (Action), adventure games (Adventure), causal games (Casual), indie games (Indie), simulators (Simulators) etc. Hypothetically, the price range of video games by genre and system requirements were due to the different amount of effort required to create them. During the construction of hedonistic price indices, prices were cleared from the characteristics of the quality of products (computer games). Video game system parameters were used as characteristics. The work also uses various approaches to modify hedonistic indices by considering genre heterogeneity. Thanks to the study, it is possible to track the dynamics of the behavior of the cost of video games over the considered period of time, with the representation of lagging and advancing trends. Genre diversification of the price elasticity of key variables used during the construction of models was provided.

Trajectory mapping through channel state information by triangulation method and fine-tuning

Trajectory mapping techniques have widespread applications in diverse fields, including robotics, localization, smart environments, gaming, and tracking systems. However, existing free devices encounter challenges in representing trajectories, thereby limiting the effectiveness of applications such as robotics, localization, and tracking systems. The imprecise mappings generated by these methods lead to suboptimal performance and unreliable results. The proposed approach leverages WiFi sensing through channel state information (CSI), triangulation techniques, and a fine-tuning mechanism to enhance trajectory precision within indoor environment trajectory mapping. The proposed solution employs a domain adapter fine-tuning technique to enable location-independent tracking via CSI, minimizing errors. The use of CSI MIMO signals for trajectory mapping offers enhanced spatial resolution, robust multipath handling, and improved accuracy in tracking movement by leveraging multiple antenna channels and exploiting the rich information embedded in signal reflections and scattering, while triangulation aids in accurately determining the location of objects or targets. Furthermore, incorporating a fine-tuning mechanism refines the generated trajectories. The findings demonstrate substantial enhancements in mapping precision, with an accuracy of 95.5% in tracking 13 paths within the new domain. These results underscore the effectiveness of the proposed approach in overcoming the limitations of existing methods and achieving highly accurate trajectory mapping.

A dynamic evolutionary game to discourage enterprise “greenwashing”

To meet the increasing consumer demand for green products and services, governments have increased their regulation of enterprise production behaviors so that enterprises may choose “greenwashing” to obtain the premium of green products at the lowest cost under government regulation. The increase of greenwashing hinders green innovation by enterprises. To quantify this problem and seek solutions to promote enterprises cleaner production and sustainable development, we established a tripartite evolutionary game model for enterprises, consumers, and governments. Using the model, we analyzed the stability of their strategy combinations through simulations and explored the impact of some parameters on the strategy selection. We found that (1) the combination of enterprises adopting true green, consumers buying green products, and weak government regulation was the most environmentally friendly and low-cost strategy solution in the tripartite game system. (2) An increase in government penalties or subsidies to enterprises, as well as a reduction of the extra cost of producing green products, can improve the probability that enterprises will adopt cleaner production. Based on the results, the government should define reasonable subsidies and penalties, guide enterprises to assume their social responsibility, and stimulate consumer green demand. Enterprises should improve their moral qualities, actively engage in green innovation, and increase investment in green product research to guide the game system towards the ideal state.

AI-Driven Traffic Simulation using Unity: Implementing Finite State Machines for Adaptive NPC Behaviour

This research develops an AI-powered traffic simulation using the Unity Engine, leveraging finite state machines (FSM) to enable adaptive and responsive non-player characters (NPCs). The integration of FSM with advanced pathfinding algorithms, such as A*, allows NPCs to dynamically adjust their behavior based on traffic conditions, obstacles, and environmental changes. The experimental results indicate a 25% improvement in route optimization and a 30% reduction in path conflicts compared to conventional static models, demonstrating the robustness of the proposed approach. Optimized navmesh deployment further enhances navigation fluidity, ensuring efficient agent movement in high-density scenarios without compromising system performance. The findings establish the effectiveness of the FSM-driven NPC behavior in simulating realistic traffic environments, contributing both to the advancement of AI applications in game development and urban planning. By providing an interactive platform for traffic management, this simulation offers a practical tool to study congestion patterns and test intervention strategies. In addition, it improves player engagement by fostering emergent gameplay through dynamic NPC interactions. Future work could explore the integration of real-time procedural generation or multiplayer functionality to enrich simulation depth and scalability. This study provides a comprehensive framework that bridges AI-based mechanics with simulation technology, providing significant insights for researchers and practitioners in game design, artificial intelligence, and urban planning.

Game Edukasi Pengenalan Hewan Endemik Pulau Kalimantan Berbasis Android Menggunakan Construct 2

The purpose of this research is to make an Android-based educational game to introduce endemic animals to the island of Borneo using Construct 2, the results of which can be useful for the community to increase knowledge about endemic animals on the island of Borneo. This educational game has a game of arranging animal name letters and multiple choice questions which are expected to hone the user's memory of endemic animals on the island of Borneo. The method used in this research is the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method are concept, design, material collecting, assembly, testing, and distribution. In this study, Black Box Testing was carried out and the result was that the game system ran well and its functionality could work smoothly. Based on the results of the questionnaire which was filled in by 30 respondents, the Endemic Animals of Kalimantan game was in the interval of strongly agreeing with the questionnaire and application category with a percentage of 85.42%, which means that the Endemic Animals of Kalimantan game is in demand by the public.

Using the Nintendo™ Wii to Improve Physical Function and Reduce the Risk of Falls in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Numerous exercise programs that improve physical capacity and the risk of falls in older adults have been proposed with varying degrees of success. A novel approach may be to use a video game system that uses real-time force feedback to train older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program on physical function and risk of falls in older people. (2) Methods: This 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involved 73 participants: 36 individuals participating in a control group (CG) and 37 in an experimental group (EG) participating in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, flexibility was assessed with the back scratch test and the sit-and-reach test, and lower body strength was assessed with the 30 s chair stand-up test. (3) Results: The results of this study show significant improvements in balance, gait, flexibility, and strength of the lower limbs compared to a control group. (4) Conclusions: A Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program for seniors produces improvements in the physical health of older adults. These improvements highlight the importance of integrating physical exercise through video games as an effective strategy to improve the general health and quality of life of older adults.

Exploring Soccer Coaching Methods: Design and Validation of a Measurement Instrument

Soccer coaches, although not prominently featured in the foreground, are essential to the outcomes of the sport. They are key figures between athletes and organizational goals. Choosing, retaining, and developing the greatest athletes is the cornerstone to a successful coaching career. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that was determine the characteristic soccer coaching styles. A experimental study involved the participation of 207 soccer coaches (B, A and PRO UEFA coaching license). The questionnaire comprises 14 themes and consists of 65 items designed to evaluate soccer coaching styles, developed from the updated Leadership Scale for Sport. The validation of the developed instrument in this empirical study was conducted using two procedures: (1) factor analysis (PCA with oblique rotation) and (2) an internal consistency assessment (Scale Reliability Analysis – Cronbach's Alpha). Nineteen significant factors were extracted, and they are as follows: Player contribution to the game system; Cooperation/ Opinions; Implementation of coach's requirements; Teaching; Motivation; Conflict resolution; Informations; Sanction; Expressing an opinion; Error correction at own discretion; Highlighting the good and bad sides of players; Instructions; Team goal setting; Highlighting positivism/ negativism; The coach's personal expectations; Team solutions; Strategy creation; Social support; The influence of the team on coaching decision-making. By analyzing the data, it was determined that “B” football coaches are characterized by the coaching style "positive feedback", “A” soccer coaches by the "training and instructor" and "positive feedback" styles, while “PRO” coaches are characterized by the "positive feedback" style and a slightly lower frequency by the "training and instructor" style. Using only one coaching/leadership style is certainly a limiting factor, as different situations require different coaching approaches.

An evolutionary game analysis of the prefabricated building supply side under dynamic government reward and punishment mechanisms

From the standpoint of the supply side of prefabricated buildings, an evolutionary game model between the government and developers is constructed under the static and dynamic reward and punishment mechanisms in order to promote the development of prefabricated buildings and realize the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. The simulation study of the example is conducted, and the impact of policy cost, subsidy upper limit, and tax upper limit on the system’s evolutionary stability strategy is examined. The findings demonstrate that when the government chooses static subsidy and static tax policies, there is no evolutionary stable strategy in the game system. The flaws of the static reward and punishment system can be adequately compensated for by the dynamic subsidy and dynamic tax policy, leading to an evolutionary stable state. The likelihood of developers producing prefabricated structures is negatively connected with policy cost and subsidy upper limits and favorably correlated with tax upper limits, according to the dynamic reward and punishment mechanism. The findings of the study have significant implications for government policy that will encourage the widespread use of prefabricated structures in China.

Reach Chess: An accidental chess variant

Reach Chess is a chess variant discovered by accident while testing the Ludii general game system, in which a simple rule change fundamentally subverts the nature of the standard game. This paper describes Reach Chess, how it came to exist, and reveals its character through a brief analysis and puzzle with annotated solution.

Under the context of competition between platform sales and live streaming sales, who has the pricing power of products?

The rapid rise of live-streaming selling and the increasing diversity of e-commerce channels have sparked ongoing debates regarding product pricing power. This price competition behaviour of online dual channels triggered by the supply-side pricing dilemma is a topic of significant research interest and forms the focal point of this paper. Therefore, we leverage the principles of game theory to construct a three-party evolutionary game model consisting of a brand, a steamer, and a traditional e-commerce platform. Within this framework, the brand holds the primary pricing authority. Our analysis examines the equilibrium strategies adopted by the various players under diverse scenarios and explores how the evolving behaviours of these parties impact the overall game system. Additionally, we employ the “people-goods-scene” perspective to deconstruct the intricate dynamics within this complex supply chain ecosystem. Our findings reveal two distinct evolutionary stable strategies: one in which brands maintain a stance against low-price negotiation, streamers avoid bargaining, and platforms avoid providing subsidies; the other in which brands are open to negotiating low prices, streamers engage in bargaining, and platforms provide subsidies. Notably, in most cases, brands tend to avoid explicitly stating their opposition to low-price negotiation. However, if a brand’s strategy shifts towards rejecting such negotiation, the negative implications of price wars across channels become a critical consideration. Conversely, when a brand opts for a more concessive pricing strategy, we need to consider the potential positive impacts of low-price competition.