Multiplayer Games Research Articles

Regularity of the minmax value and equilibria in multiplayer Blackwell games

AbstractA real-valued function φ that is defined over all Borel sets of a topological space is regular if for every Borel set W, φ(W) is the supremum of φ(C), over all closed sets C that are contained in W, and the infimum of φ(O), over all open sets O that contain W.We study Blackwell games with finitely many players. We show that when each player has a countable set of actions and the objective of a certain player is represented by a Borel winning set, that player’s minmax value is regular.We then use the regularity of the minmax value to establish the existence of ε-equilibria in two distinct classes of Blackwell games. One is the class of n-player Blackwell games where each player has a finite action space and an analytic winning set, and the sum of the minmax values over the players exceeds n − 1. The other class is that of Blackwell games with bounded upper semi-analytic payoff functions, history-independent finite action spaces, and history-independent minmax values. For the latter class, we obtain a characterization of the set of equilibrium payoffs.

Evolution of cooperation in the public goods game with Q-learning

Recent paradigm shifts from imitation learning to reinforcement learning (RL) is shown to be productive in understanding human behaviors. In the RL paradigm, individuals search for optimal strategies through interaction with the environment to make decisions. This implies that gathering, processing, and utilizing information from their surroundings is crucial. However, existing studies on public good games using the Q-learning algorithm typically adopt a self-regarding setup, where individuals adjust their strategies based solely on their own strategic information, neglecting the environmental factors. In this work, we investigate the evolution of cooperation with the multiplayer game — the public goods game using the Q-learning algorithm by leveraging the environmental information. Specifically, the decision-making of players is based on the cooperation information in their neighborhood. Our results show that cooperation is more likely to emerge compared to the case of imitation learning by using Fermi-function-based update rule. Of particular interest is the observation of an anomalous non-monotonic dependence which is revealed when voluntary participation is further introduced. The analysis of the Q-table explains the mechanisms behind the cooperation evolution. Our findings indicate the fundamental role of environment information in the RL paradigm to understand the evolution of cooperation, and human behaviors in general.

Statistical mathematics in video games

Abstract. Statistics play a crucial role in game design and development, with statistical mathematics being an essential element that developers must carefully consider. The paper introduces how statistical elements can be utilized to develop a creative gameplay mechanism that precisely aligns with the general requirements of players. Since the players gaming experience is considered the most important factor in a game, developers should be open to modifying their game based on feedback from dissatisfied players, which will enable the development team to provide an enhanced experience for all players. For multiplayer online games, the matching mechanism, which determines the teammates and opponents for each player, is just as crucial as the game's basic gameplay mechanism. Through statistical classification methods, we can improve the fairness of this matching process by analyzing players previous behavior and labeling them with their level. Overall, we can conclude that statistics can be used to design games by establishing a general framework and incorporating compelling elements. Additionally, statistics are essential for balancing game attributes and facilitating the perfect matching process.

Nice day to go fishing

This article analyzes the representation of repetition in Viva la Dirt League’s online fantasy television series Epic NPC Man. The show is a parodic depiction of a fictional multiplayer fantasy computer game in which a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) exhibit varying degrees of self-awareness. The very concept of the show entails an underlying formal reliance upon strategies of reproduction, with the series providing live-action reenactment of various conventional situations from video games. But repetition also appears within the show as an explicit theme, with the characters defined by and in tension with the repetitive dialogue and routines of the game. This article argues that the significance of repetition in Epic NPC Man is defined by its relationship to the show’s broader investment in thematizing the escapist properties of fantasy. At one level, repetition emerges as a limit point, the moment at which fantasy breaks down. But the show also asserts repetition’s imaginative potential, situating it in opposition to a ludic, instrumental conception of gaming. The resulting image of fantasy gaming constructs the genre as both liberatory and surprisingly fragile, threatened both by the limitations of technology and by the actions of the players themselves.

Towards Ethical AI Moderation in Multiplayer Games

AI is increasingly being used to moderate player behaviour in online multiplayer games, working to identify and respond to toxic and problematic conduct with greater efficiency and accuracy than existing automated systems. However, little work has explored the application of AI moderation in the gaming ecosystem, despite growing ethical concerns about AI applications in other domains. In this study, we conducted 2 expert workshops and interviewed 26 players and industry professionals on their understandings, perceptions and experiences with AI moderation in multiplayer games. Applying a metaphorical frame via template analysis, we outline four metaphors that capture participants' views on the roles of AI and automation in moderation: the Unreliable Police Force, the Unscrupulous Governor, the Uncaring Judge, and the Untiring Assistant. We discuss these roles as exacerbating a top-down, punitive online justice system and identify ethical concerns around transparency, fairness and inclusion, privacy, and human-AI collaboration. To address these concerns, we put forward a set of ethical design considerations and alternative roles for AI moderation in multiplayer games.

Cooperative defense of a territorial-constrained target in a target-attacker-defender game

Abstract Multi-player pursuit-evasion games are crucial for addressing the maneuver decision problem arising in the cooperative control of multi-agent systems. This paper presents a cooperative defense strategy involving cooperation and confrontation among the target, attacker, and multiple defenders based on location information only. The primary objective of the attacker is to capture the target while avoiding being captured by multiple defenders. Meanwhile, the target is confined to a restricted area and can only move within its boundaries. The proposed cooperative defense strategy aims to prevent the attacker from capturing the target while minimizing the time required to neutralize the threat. Therefore, the multiple defenders are classified into two categories: the primary defender and the auxiliary defenders. The primary defender is to prevent the attacker from approaching the target by predicting the intention of the attacker. On the other hand, the auxiliary defenders adopt a surround-shrink-capture strategy to reduce the time consumption to capture the attacker. Numerical simulations have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

Are stress and engagement in toxicity associated with sleep quality? A study with League of Legends players

Today, millions of people worldwide play popular multiplayer online battle arena games (MOBAs) such as League of Legends. MOBAs are designed to require real-time teamwork to win games. A side effect of this is toxic behavior (an umbrella term for various negative in-game behaviors). Following Transactional Stress Theory, in this study, we consider toxicity as a coping mechanism to better deal with in-game stress that leads to anger and frustration, potentially leading to subsequent sleep problems. Therefore, we asked League of Legends players (N=212) about their experiences within the last 30 days in a retrospective survey study. Our results indicated that perceived stress was, indeed, a positive predictor of sleeping problems, and toxic behavior partially mediated this relationship. These results indicate that some of the toxicity is caused by stress in play and that it may increase the likelihood of the occurrence of subsequent sleeping problems. Therefore, further efforts are needed to help players to develop harmonious means and techniques for coping with experienced in-game stress.

"Wichita 1-1, Fox Three" - The Role of 3D Telemetry Analysis in Combat Flight Simulation

Analyzing 3D telemetry data collected from competitive video games on the Internet can support players in improving performance as well as spectators in viewing data-driven narratives of the gameplay. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth qualitative study on the use of telemetry analysis by embedding over several weeks in a virtual F-14A Tomcat squadron in the multiplayer combat flight simulator DCS World (DCS) (2008). Based on formative interviews with DCS pilots, we design a web-based game analytics framework for rendering 3D telemetry from the flight simulator in a live 3D player, incorporating many of the data displays and visualizations requested by the participants. We then evaluate the framework with real mission data from several air-to-air engagements involving the virtual squadron. Our findings highlight the key role of 3D telemetry playback in competitive multiplayer gaming.

Sustainable Sip: Learning Concepts Of Business Sustainability Through A Hybrid Game

We present Sustainable Sip, a hybrid multiplayer round-based game designed to provide an experiential learning environment for university-level students at the University of Queensland, Australia. It aims to facilitate literacy around the fundamental concepts of business sustainability, specifically the tensions and interplay between economics and sustainability, and systems thinking. This paper represents stage 1 of this project (design, development, testing). Impact assessment will be covered by stage 2 (application), which is outside the scope of this paper. Each player manages a coffee shop in a competitive market, seeking to maximise their customer base, whilst minimising the production of waste (unsold coffee tokens). Each round, players must decide how much coffee (inventory) to buy from the wholesaler, and the price to sell coffee to customers. Players aim to balance the dimensions of economic performance, environmental sustainability, and customer loyalty; the player that best achieves this wins the ‘Sustainable Sipper’ award. ‘Customer loyalty’ is a central concept, calculated in the app for each player and is influenced by the shop’s coffee price, quantity of waste the shop produces, and a player’s ability to meet customer demand. The game design explicitly draws from system thinking, user-centred and hybrid design, and from self-determination theory (motivation). Sustainable Sip has undergone early testing with preliminary feedback highlighting that the gameplay is simple, intuitive and interactive, aspects that are attributable in part to the game design and the hybrid approach.

Engagement Strategies in a Peer-quizzing Game: Investigating Student Interactions and Powergaming

Educational games are a popular means of engaging students in learning activities. However, students in game-based learning environments often engage in powergaming to reap undeserved rewards and spoil the experi-ence of their peers. This may happen when the students pretend to engage in game activities or collude with other students, exploiting the game settings and rules to maximize their points. In this explorative study, we investigate powergaming in three settings of an asynchronous online multiplayer peer-quizzing game in a blended learning setting – a first-year programming class in a Canadian university. We designed three experi-mental settings with three versions of an education game which allowed different levels of powergaming. The between-subject study involved three experimental groups: Group 1 used a game version where they received weekly performance feedback and tips on how to improve their performance, Group 2 used a game version with access to an existing resource bank, allowing them to maximize the number if their activities in the game, and Group 3 served as a control group with no additional interventions. The research aimed to investigate 1) the association between the power gamers' activity, their grades and their preference to work alone or in a group, 2) the types of activities (type of quiz questions) most used by power gamers, and 3) which game setting was the most conducive to power gaming. The results show that better grades are not associated with higher activity levels in the game. Students who engaged in more diverse types of game activities had better learning outcomes The control Group 3 had the highest average grades. As we expected, Group 2 engaged in the high-est number of activities, esp. in creating questions, a form of powergaming. The qualitative results showed that contrary to our assumption the powergamers in Group 2 was not harmful, because it created a rich set of re-sources in the game and fostered student engagement in the game.

Repositioning Vulnerable Youth Through Educational Esports Programmes

A growing number of young Danes experience a drop in well-being as well as there is an increase in diagnoses such as ADHD and autism. These challenges are often linked with school refusal and an increasing need for special education programmes. Since 2007, selected vulnerable youth (age 16-25) have been offered an alternative to regular youth education called Specially Planned Youth Education (Særligt Tilrettelagt Ungdomsuddannelse or STU). More than 30% of students attending STUs are diagnosed with autism or ADHD. The purpose of this paper is to explore the learning potentials of esports educational programmes with this specific target group. The study presents data from an ongoing research project entitled “Esports as learning space and gateway for vulnerable youth at STU”, which is supported by the Velux Foundation and currently in its second year while looking to finalise in 2026. More specifically, we analyse data from ten interviews conducted with vulnerable youth at three STUs, who participate in educational esports activities with commercial multiplayer games, primarily League of Legends, Counter-Strike or Valorant. The interviews concern the students’ gaming interests, their experiences with attending the esports programmes, and their perceived learning outcomes. All interview data have been coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Patterns and recurring themes in the data have been sought after based on questions of how students perceive themselves, what activities they engage in during esports education, and what the potential learning outcomes of the education are. Drawing on Dialogical Self Theory, we analyse and discuss the students’ different I-positions and identify possible transformations made possible through the STU activities, which aim to support students in obtaining an autonomous and meaningful adult life. Our preliminary findings show that students generally have more positive experiences at the STU’s than at their previous education. This includes adopting different I-positions that are more committed to a community than what they experience in their leisure gaming.

Multiplayer game dynamics and their applications into simplicial complexes with memory effect

Abstract We investigate the evolutionary dynamics of the multiplayer, snowdrift-like game based on memory effects, in which cooperators and defectors interact with another type of player named as exiter. To avoid being exploited by defectors, the conservative exiters tend to drop out of a game and merely share quite minor returns. Results on the well-mixed populations indicate that the existence of exiters is less conducive to cooperation. Whereas, in networks with simplicial complexes, the memory effect can effectively inhibit evolution of defection and promote cooperation. Other outcomes with respect to the evolution of exiters and defectors, including the co-existence of all three types of players in the network and the favor of exiter, can be obtained by tuning the payoff to exit and the proportion of 1-simplices and 2-simplices. The current results provide insight into how mutual cooperation emerges in real networked populations, influenced by the memory-based exit options.

The effects of herding and dispersal behaviour on the evolution of cooperation on complete networks

Evolutionary graph theory has considerably advanced the process of modelling the evolution of structured populations, which models the interactions between individuals as pairwise contests. In recent years, these classical evolution models have been extended to incorporate more realistic features, e.g. multiplayer games. A recent series of papers have developed a new evolutionary framework including structure, multiplayer interactions, evolutionary dynamics, and movement. However, so far, the developed models have mainly considered independent movement without coordinated behaviour. Although the theory underlying the framework has been developed and explored in various directions, several movement mechanisms have been produced which characterise coordinated movement, for example, herding. By embedding these newly constructed movement distributions, within the evolutionary setting of the framework, we demonstrate that certain levels of aggregation and dispersal benefit specific types of individuals. Moreover, by extending existing parameters within the framework, we are not only able to develop a general process of embedding any of the considered movement distributions into the evolutionary setting on complete graphs but also analytically produce the probability of fixation of a mutant on a complete N-sized network, for the multiplayer Public Goods and Hawk–Dove games. Also, by applying weak selection methods, we extended existing previous analyses on the pairwise Hawk–Dove Game to encompass the multiplayer version considered in this paper. By producing neutrality and equilibrium conditions, we show that hawks generally do worse in our models due to the multiplayer nature of the interactions.

Inverse reinforcement learning methods for linear differential games

In this study, we considered the problem of inverse reinforcement learning or estimating the cost function of expert players in multi-player differential games. We proposed two online data-driven solutions for linear–quadratic games that are applicable to systems that fulfill a specific dimension criterion or whose unknown matrices in the cost function conform to a diagonal condition. The first method, which is partially model-free, utilizes the trajectories of expert agents to solve the problem. The second method is entirely model-free and employs the trajectories of both expert and learner agents. We determined the conditions under which the solutions are applicable and identified the necessary requirements for the collected data. We conducted numerical simulations to establish the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Dynamic event-triggered finite-horizon robust suboptimal control of multi-player systems with input disturbances

This paper presents an adaptive dynamic event-triggered robust finite-horizon suboptimal control scheme for multi-player nonzero-sum game of nonlinear systems with input disturbances based on dynamic programming (ADP) and integral sliding mode (ISM) control techniques. Firstly, dynamic event-triggered adaptive ISM controllers are designed to handle input disturbances that can force the system state to remain on the sliding manifold and relax the known upper bounds condition of input disturbances. Corresponding event-triggered condition is employed for ISM controller of each player to reduce the update frequency. Then, utilizing the obtained ISM dynamics, we employ ADP-based single critic neural networks to approximate the time-varying solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi equations. Thus, the event-triggered finite-horizon suboptimal controllers can be obtained, and corresponding state-based dynamic event-triggered condition is designed to improve the resource utilization. The stability property of the closed-loop system is demonstrated through the Lyapunov technique. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is confirmed through two simulation examples.

Mixed-Zero-Sum-Game-Based Memory Event-Triggered Cooperative Control of Heterogeneous MASs Against DoS Attacks.

This article studies the problem of memory event-triggered cooperative adaptive control of heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) under denial-of-service (DoS) attacks based on the multiplayer mixed zero-sum (ZS) game strategy. First, a neural-network-based reinforcement learning scheme is structured to obtain the Nash equilibrium solution of the proposed multiplayer mixed ZS game scheme. Then, a memory-based event-triggered mechanism considering the historical data is proposed. This effectively avoids incorrect triggering information caused by unknown external factors. Moreover, thanks to the idea of switching topology, the mixed ZS game problem under the influence of node-based DoS attacks is solved efficiently. In accordance with the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that all signals of heterogeneous MASs are bounded, all heterogeneous followers can track the trajectory of the leader during the no-attack period, the attacked follower can achieve stabilization control during the attack period, and the remaining nonattacked followers can achieve cooperative control during the attack period. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed memory-event-triggered-based mixed ZS game cooperative control strategy is tested by the given simulation results.

Gender swapping in massively multiplayer online role-playing games in China: Relationship to gender nonconformity and gender dysphoria

Video games are identified as rich environments for the extension and development of the self. Gender swapping is common in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Drawing on self-discrepancy theory, this study aims to examine whether variables reflecting actual-ideal self-discrepancy in gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity contribute to gender swapping. Specifically, we examine associations between childhood gender nonconformity (CGN), adulthood gender nonconformity (AGN), gender dysphoria, and gender-swapping. An online survey was conducted with 586 players of MMORPGs in China. CGN, AGN, and gender dysphoria were positively associated with gender-swapping. Gender dysphoria fully mediated the associations between CGN and gender swapping. The current findings indicate the effects of gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity on gender swapping among Chinese MMORPGs players.

Analysis of Prevalence and Related Factors of Cyberbullying-Victimization among Adolescents.

Cyberbullying is an increasingly serious issue that negatively impacts the mental and physical health of adolescents. This study aims to report the prevalence rates of adolescent cyberbullying-victimization and its associated related factors, providing a scientific basis for targeted efforts to protect the mental and physical well-being of adolescents; Methods: From March to May 2019, there were 13 high schools and 33 middle schools in Yixing, with a student ratio of 2:1 between middle and high school. Using a random cluster sampling method, we selected four high schools and three middle schools based on this ratio, resulting in a total of 13,258 students. We conducted a survey using a self-designed questionnaire to investigate the experiences of adolescents with cyberbullying and victimization, comparing the differences in cyberbullying-victimization based on various demographic characteristics. Additionally, we employed a multifactorial logistic regression model to analyze the associated factors; Results: The rate of adolescents who declared themselves as cyberbully-victims is 2.9%. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that being male, having both parents working outside the home, experiencing occasional or large conflicts among family members, being subjected to punishment-and-abuse child discipline, always or often using social software (websites), enjoying playing single or multiplayer games, self-smoking, and self-drinking were associated with a higher likelihood of being a cyberbully-victim (p < 0.05); Conclusions: Adolescent cyberbullying-victimization is affected by personal, family, and social factors. Therefore, comprehensive strategies and measures are needed to intervene in this problem.

Мотивационные корреляты жизнестойкости и виртуальной идентичности молодых геймеров

The research is relevant due to the necessity to explore how gaming motivational mechanisms reduce internal tension and shape gamers’ identity in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG). The aim of the research is to investigate the role of gaming motivation shaping virtual identity and hardiness of young gamers. Hypothesis: gaming motivation correlates with reduced internal tension and influences the formation of gamers’ virtual identity in cyber space. Participants: N = 120 aged 18–25 years (n male = 72; n female = 48; M = 20.4; SD = 2.5) living in the central region of the Russian Federation. Methods (tools): The Gaming Motivation Scale (Nick Yee adapted by N. V. Bogacheva, V. E. Epishina, A. V. Milyanskaya) was used to assess game motivation for playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG); an abridged version of the Hardiness Test (S. Maddi adapted by E. N. Osin, E. I. Rasskazova) was used to assess resilience; the Virtual Identity Status Inventory (VISI) (M. V. Klementyeva) was used to assess the status of virtual identities; the Game Experience Questionnaire (W. A. Ijsselsteijn, Y. A. W. de Kort, and K. Poels adapted by M. V. Klementyeva, M. V. Kurguzov) was used to assess players’ competence. Results: the research demonstrated significant differences in the manifestation of gamers’ “hardines”: higher values were recorded during gameplay. We found strong links between gaming motives, hardines, gaming skills and virtual identity. Despite their seamless gaming motivation and perfect gaming competence, gamers experience internal tension, helplessness in real life and strive to escape reality while forming a virtual identity based on the images of their gaming avatars. Main conclusions: in an online game, young gamers are able to cope more effectively with internal stress, compared with the real environment; they are able to maintain identity, and successfully implement gaming motives. Practical application: the research results can be used to develop techniques aimed at strengthening hardines and supporting identity formation in young gamers.

With great power comes great accountability: Network positions, victimization, perpetration, and victim-perpetrator overlap in an online multiplayer game

With great power comes great accountability: Network positions, victimization, perpetration, and victim-perpetrator overlap in an online multiplayer game