Multiplayer Mode Research Articles

Review of the features of augmented reality application in the training of operators and maintenance staff

An overview of the use of augmented reality technology used to improve the training efficiency of operators and service personnel in the industry is presented. When considering the issues of building augmented reality systems, it was noted that in addition to technological issues, it is also essential to pay increased attention to the social aspect, especially if it is intended to apply augmented reality technology in multiplayer mode. A common environment in the interaction of several participants can disrupt the sense of identity of users, as well as potentially threaten the feeling of personal space and the sensation of physical objects. It is necessary to take into account the cognitive load theory and the schematic theoretical model of concreteness fading. The advantage of using augmented reality is to reduce human errors and improve the quality of training. For the use of augmented reality in the absence of a reliable network connection and the availability of only short communication sessions, the use of special tickets is proposed.

Gender Differences in Video Game Play: Practices of Teenaged Players from Pakistan

The present research study aimed to examining gender differences in gaming patterns and preferences of teenage gamers in Pakistan. The gaming patterns involve frequency of game play and time spent on game play. The video game preferences were measured by exploring game genres and style(mode) in which game players mostly play. The study was quantitative and survey is conducted by using purposive research method as only game player were selected as sample from schools of Islamabad, Pakistan. The close ended questionnaire adapted from ‘Media Self Report Questionnaire’ used by Elliot (2006), Bajovic (2012) and Hodge (2019) was filled by 576 respondents. The study found that teenage girls and boys significantly differ in terms of frequency of game play and time spent on video gaming. It was found that boys mostly play in multiplayer mode and prefer to play action, role playing game and sports game genres. On the other hand girls’ prefer single player mode and adventure, action and horror game genres. The present research can be used as baseline exploratory study for future studies in the domain of video gaming.

Strengthening the perception of the virtual worlds in a virtual reality environment

Virtual reality is becoming more and more improved primarily due to numerous applications and the powers of mobile devices. Using various sensors, precise displays and high computing powers smartphone are becoming devices that make the boost in technology. Now it is necessary to efficiently use various sensors without affecting system operation and improve control abilities for various purposes. Especially in practical applications received by mass users such as games and any kind of experience. In this article, we propose a system that allows to extend the perception of the virtual world by conveying information about the user’s movements in reality into the supervised model. The system retrieves data from several sources, quickly analyzes them using artificial intelligence techniques, and returns information to the mobile phone about the activity that is being processed. The concept extends the understanding of today’s virtual reality by allowing the user to move and perform simple gestures in a specially designed room. Moreover, we propose multiplayer mode in virtual reality, where players are in different places. The proposed architecture of the system has been tested on simple applications, and the results show high potential for implementations in various apps by achieving almost 90% efficiency in changing player direction in real time and only 7.5% of collision cases.

Aurora Retrive – An Augmented Reality Game using Real World Maps

The game developed uses real world map data to generate real world 3D environment in Augmented Reality (AR). This Real world Game developed represents a way of technology implemented in augmented reality which is used to play Multi player Role Play Game (RPG). The game can be played on two different modes like role playing or multi-player mode. This game system is made as multiplayer game on a role playing environment for specific player, in which every player has their own role playing in it. The entire real world game environment is loaded in AR on any of the object that acts as the marker in the real world environment. This game system is developed using the UNITY game engine for creating game environment and the environment itself is created using real world data obtained using Map box. Vuforia studio frame work is used for implementation of game environment in AR. C# programming language is used to program game play actions and environment generations and modifications in runtime.

AN APPROACH TO DEVELOP A MOTION-SENSITIVE, LOCALLY MULTIPLAYER-HYBRID (MULTIPID) 3D VIDEO GAME

Playing video games has been gaining increased interest over the last two decades regardless of age, gender and any kind of status. Video games are generally controlled via frequently used input devices such as game controllers or mouse and keyboard. However, there are also newer technologies which can detect human motion through sensors. This technology enhances the game-play experience due to its interactivity level and therefore, such an experience embraces many players more than traditional controllers. The term “Hybrid” is used for both the multi-genre games and for games integrating conventional controllers together with new technology devices, e.g. motion-sensitive devices. In this paper, we use the term for the latter. Our aim is to provide the game developers a roadmap to generate a 3D hybrid game in order to enhance the game-play experience where we mainly control the game with keyboard but also integrate Kinect to sense human motion and solve interactive puzzles at the end of each level. Besides, we also suggest to enable the multiplayer mode for some interactive puzzles to challenge the players and observe their contentedness in terms of game-play. After this experience, we named this game model as MultipId game-model as it combines the features of both multiplayer and hybrid modes. We developed a game employing this model which is discussed in the Results section. We believe that increasing the number of MultipId games gives a competitive edge over existing single-player games employing only traditional controllers.

Gaming Disorder and Computer-Mediated Communication in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background: This study investigates how children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make use of computer gaming and computer-mediated communication (CMC) in comparison to their nonautistic peers. Method: Parents filled out a standardized questionnaire on media use, gaming disorder (GD), and CMC. Sixty-two boys with a diagnosis of ASD aged 4 to 17 years (mean = 11.5; SD = 3.2) were compared to 31 healthy control boys (mean = 11.5; SD = 3.7). Results: Children and adolescents with ASD used CMC less frequently than their nonautistic peers but played video games for longer times than the controls. They preferred playing alone rather than in company of others and less frequently in multiplayer mode. Levels of GD symptoms were higher in boys with ASD. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with ASD seem to be an especially vulnerable subpopulation for GD. For them, the gaming situation (alone and in single-player mode) and CMC behavior seem to correspond to social patterns in real life. Our findings also provide support for the inclusion of offline gaming in the GD definition.

A Survey of Full-Body Motion Reconstruction in Immersive Virtual Reality Applications.

Due to recent advances in virtual reality (VR) technology, the development of immersive VR applications that track body motions and visualize a full-body avatar is attracting increasing research interest. This paper reviews related research to gather and to critically analyze recent improvements regarding the potential of full-body motion reconstruction in VR applications. We conducted a systematic literature search, matching VR and full-body tracking related keywords on IEEE Xplore, PubMed, ACM, and Scopus. Fifty-three publications were included and assigned in three groups: studies using markerless and marker-based motion tracking systems as well as systems using inertial measurement units. All analyzed research publications track the motions of the user wearing a head-mounted display and visualize a full-body avatar. The analysis confirmed that a full-body avatar can enhance the sense of embodiment and can improve the immersion within the VR. The results indicated that the Kinect device is still the most frequently used sensor (27 out of 53). Furthermore, there is a trend to track the movements of multiple users simultaneously. Many studies that enable multiplayer mode in VR use marker-based systems (7 out of 17) because they are much more robust and can accurately track full-body movements of multiple users in real-time.

A Social Virtual Reality-Based Application for the Physical and Cognitive Training of the Elderly at Home.

Frailty is a clinical condition affecting the elderly population which results in an increased risk of falls. Previous studies demonstrated that falls prevention programs are effective, but they suffer from low adherence, especially when subjects have to train unsupervised in their homes. To try to improve treatment adherence, virtual reality and social media have been proposed as promising strategies for the increase of users’ motivation and thus their willingness to practice. In the context of smart homes, this work presents SocialBike, a virtual reality-based application aimed at improving the clinical outcomes of older frail adults in their houses. Indeed, SocialBike is integrated in the “house of the future” framework and proposes a Dual Task training program in which the users are required to cycle on a stationary bike while recognizing target animals or objects appearing along the way. It also implements the possibility of training with other users, thus reducing the risk of social isolation. Within SocialBike, users can choose the multiplayer mode they prefer (i.e., collaborative or competitive), and are allowed to train following their own attitude. SocialBike’s validation, refinement, and business model are currently under development, and are briefly discussed as future works.

Effects of Human vs. Computer-Controlled Characters and Social Identity Cues on Enjoyment

Abstract. This study explored how group identification, avatar similarity identification, and social presence mediated the effect of character type (avatars or agents) and social identity cues (presence or absence of avatars wearing participants’ school colors) on game enjoyment. Playing with teammate avatars increased enjoyment indirectly by enhancing group identification. In addition, the presence of social identity cues increased enjoyment indirectly by augmenting identification with one’s avatar. Unexpectedly, playing in multiplayer mode in the presence of social identity cues decreased enjoyment, whereas playing in multiplayer mode in the absence of social identity cues increased enjoyment. Social presence was not a reliable mediator. The findings supported media enjoyment and social identity theories, and highlighted how virtual character type and identification processes influence enjoyment.

PLAY WITH FRIENDS, AGAINST MACHINE OR ALL ALONE? SOCIAL IN-GAME MECHANICS AS A PREDICTOR OF GAMER LIFETIME VALUE

Social games where players play together with others in multiplayer mode are currently emerging and attracting attention in the media after the success of e.g. Pokemon GO. Nevertheless, little is known about the profitability of social players. Previous gaming research that has profiled different types of players has focused on games played alone, without social mechanics (cf. Vahlo et al., 2017). From a marketing perspective, it is also interesting to study the effects of merely watching game play or browsing new game ads as a mode of entertainment, and what kind of effect that has on future behaviour. Passive participation as a type of aesthetic entertainment has been acknowledged in eSports context (Seo, 2013). This paper analyses big data of a gaming company on an individual player level, including different types of single play and multiplayer gaming sessions and in-game purchase behaviour data. We compare the effects of social and non-social ingame mechanics on how individuals spend money in-game over time, frequency of play, sessions as well as the length of played sessions in minutes during the gamers’ whole lifecycle. The anonymized repository data includes gaming behaviour, in-game purchase behaviour related to the use of one specific digital game in the USA. The game can be played both alone, and with others as a team. We used structural equation modeling to analyse the behavior of 23 049 randomly selected players, who have played the game for at least one week. The data included the individual players’ total session history during their play lifecycle. Interestingly, social play with other people is a strong predictor of money spent in the long term. Social play also prompts long-term interest in the game, as friends invite and encourage each other to play with or against other virtual teams. Nevertheless, social play is not for everyone! The results help to optimize player journeys and to make strategic decisions that support long term profitability of gaming companies.

A systematic review of project management serious games: Identifying gaps, trends, and directions for future research

Project management education struggles to aid learners in coping with complexity. A potential solution is the application of serious or educational games that are often used to help learners in dealing with complex problems. To expand and improve serious games application in project management, we conducted a systematic review that was centered on identifying gaps, trends, and directions for future research. Our study recommends researchers and educators to move toward simulating “soft” project knowledge areas, multiple projects scenarios in a multiplayer mode, and a complete project life cycle. We recommend adopting triangulation methods to minimize evaluation bias and improve design.

Energy expenditure and perceived exertion during active video games in relation to player mode and gender

Active video games (AVG) increase energy expenditure (EE) with respect to sedentary video games. Although several AVG consoles allow playing in single-player (SP) or multiplayer (MP) mode, few studies investigated differences in relation to game modality in men and women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate gender-related psycho-physiological responses during Zumba Fitness Rush (ZFR) played in SP vs. MP mode. Twenty-four college students (women: 14, men: 10; age: 24.6±2.0 years; body weight: 60.2±12.5 kg; body height: 167.8±11.5 cm; BMI: 21.2±2.1 kg·m-2) participated in two experimental sessions: SP (a subject playing ZFR alone) and MP (two subjects playing ZFR simultaneously). Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2) and EE (MET and kcal∙min-1) were continuously measured and averaged every 10 seconds, while Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was recorded 30 minutes after the end of each session. A two (gender: women vs. men) by two (modality: SP vs. MP) ANOVA for repeated measures was applied. No differences emerged in relation to gender and game mode for %HRmax, VO2, MET, and RPE. Conversely, a main effect (p=.0007) for gender was found in EE, with significantly (p<.004) higher values in men in SP (women: 5.5±0.6 kcal·min-1; men: 8.3±1.4 kcal·min-1) and MP (women: 5.3±0.7 kcal·min-1; men: 7.6±1.9 kcal·min-1). Present findings suggest that ZFR could be classified as a moderate physical activity, proving to be an alternative form to traditional exercise. Although an effect of number of players could be expected, different player modes did not affect EE, probably because the rhythm of the music imposes a time constraint, independently of the presence of other players.

Playing the post 9/11 on game service platforms: Premediation in The Division via Twitch.tv and Steam

This article focuses on the relation between post 9/11 imaginary and digital entertainment’s audiences. Its aim is to enlighten potential players’ perception of such an influence by exploring game service platforms – that is, online spaces with peculiar functions that are getting a foothold in the sector. By following the leading concepts of ‘premediation’ (Grusin, 2010) and ‘platform’ (Gillespie, 2010), an empirical investigation was directed about the game The Division, which glaringly exploits references to 9/11, in relation with Twitch.tv (live streaming) and Steam (multi-hub with several features, from user-generated content upload to discussion) environments. For the first 20 days from the release, multiple data were gathered daily (e.g. streaming chats, threads and artworks) and framed with a discourse/visual analysis (e.g. Gee, 2010). Results show that connections to 9/11 were perceived in experiencing game mechanics (e.g. multiplayer mode) rather than in discussing setting or plot. A preventive attitude against other players emerged as winning strategy and potential bridge to an ‘interactive premediation’ in media consumption.

Making neurorehabilitation fun: Multiplayer training via damping forces balancing differences in skill levels.

Multiplayer environments are thought to increase the training intensity in robot-aided rehabilitation therapy after stroke. We developed a haptic-based environment to investigate the dynamics of two-player training performing time-constrained reaching movements using the ARMin rehabilitation robot. We implemented a challenge level adaptation algorithm that controlled a virtual damping coefficient to reach a desired success rate. We tested the algorithm's effectiveness in regulating the success rate during game play in a simulation with computer-controlled players, in a feasibility study with six unimpaired players, and in a single session with one stroke patient. The algorithm demonstrated its capacity to adjust the damping coefficient to reach three levels of success rate (low [50%], moderate [70%], and high [90%]) during singleplayer and multiplayer training. For the patient - tested in single-player mode at the moderate success rate only - the algorithm showed also promising behavior. Results of the feasibility study showed that to increase the player's willingness to play at a more challenging task condition, the effect of the challenge level adaptation - regardless of being played in single player or multiplayer mode - might be more important than the provision of multiplayer setting alone. Furthermore, the multiplayer setting tends to be a motivating and encouraging therapy component. Based on these results we will optimize and expand the multiplayer training platform and further investigate multiplayer settings in stroke therapy.

Examining Energy Expenditure in Youth Using XBOX Kinect: Differences by Player Mode.

Replacing sedentary time with physical activity through new generation exergames (eg, XBOX Kinect) is a potential intervention strategy. The study's purpose was to compare youth energy expenditure while playing different exergames in single- vs. multiplayer mode. Participants (26 male, 14 female) were 10 to 13 years old. They wore a portable metabolic analyzer while playing 4 XBOX Kinect games for 15 minutes each (2 single-, 2 multiplayer). Repeated-measures ANOVA (with Bonferroni correction) was used to examine player mode differences, controlling for age group, sex, weight status, and game. There was a significant difference in energy expenditure between single player (mean = 15.4 ml/kg/min, SD = 4.5) and multiplayer mode (mean = 16.8 ml/kg/min, SD = 4.7). Overweight and obese participants (mean = 13.7 ml/kg/min, SD = 4.2) expended less energy than normal weight (mean = 17.8 ml/kg/min, SD = 4.5) during multiplayer mode (d = 0.93). Player mode, along with personal factors such as weight status, may be important to consider in energy expenditure during exergames.

Abstract 3740: Exergame development for cancer prevention and intervention

Abstract The current study utilized smart and connected technologies to assist difficult to reach populations with healthy lifestyle intervention for cancer prevention. Lack of physical activities and high body mass index are important cancer risk factors. We tested the hypothesis that a low cost gaming platform could be used to supplement therapeutic regimes for life style changes to affect risk factors associated with cancer. Using a 3D room sensor built into the Microsoft Kinect, we analyzed qualitative and quantitative measures of Yoga and Tai Chi postures and dance routines with the Kinect sensor. Specifically, we used Kinect version 2.0 Software Development Kit to capture skeleton image streams composed of X, Y, Z coordinates at 20 frames per second. The instructors performed a series of 17 hatha yoga postures, including a variety of standing and supine positions, 12 Tai Chi motions, or performed traditional African-based dance routines. Inaccuracy of data capture was measured by the number of imputed joint positions in the skeleton stream using two-sample equal variance t-test, along with time-average measurements for the dance routines. The accuracy of skeleton capture for sampled yoga postures was heavily dependent on the yoga practitioner view orientation and the particular yoga posture. Frontal view orientation was slightly more accurate than perpendicular, but not significantly different. Standing poses were significantly more accurate than seated or supine body orientations. Instability of joint positions in the skeleton stream was more severe for seated poses as evidenced by large fluctuations between image frames that resulted in visible displacements of joints that were described as jitter. Tai Chi and African dance routines were significantly more accurate for full range of postures. Multiplayer modes in other exergames show positive effect with motivation and physical exertion. Implementation of multiplayer capacity will help to establish a culturally appropriate electronic cohort focused on cancer prevention. In conclusion, the skeleton movement tracking algorithms embedded in Kinect were not appropriate for body positions that significantly deviated far from upright postures. Future studies will evaluate Tai Chi and African dance as an Exergame for multiple players. This app will be designed by peers of targeted populations at risk for cancer, linking GIS neighborhood characteristics for longitudinal tracking across metropolitan Atlanta over time. Acknowledge partial support from G12MD007602, 8U54MD007588, and U54 CA118638. Citation Format: Blessing Ahabue, Paula Pullen, Afebuameh Ogbesor, William S. Seffens, James W. Lillard. Exergame development for cancer prevention and intervention. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3740. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3740

Physiological Responses During Multiplay Exergaming in Young Adult Males are Game-Dependent.

Regular moderate-intensity exercise provides health benefits. The aim of this study was to examine whether the selected exercise intensity and physiological responses during exergaming in a single and multiplayer mode in the same physical space were game-dependent. Ten males (mean ±SD, age: 23 ±5 years, body mass: 84.2 ±15.6 kg, body height: 180 ±7 cm, body mass index: 26.0 ±4.0 kg·m−2) played the games Kinect football, boxing and track & field (3 × ∼10 min, ∼ 2 min rest periods) in similar time sequence in two sessions. Physiological responses were measured with the portable Cosmed K4b2 pulmonary gas exchange system. Single play demands were used to match with a competitive opponent in a multiplay mode. A within-subjects crossover design was used with one-way ANOVA and a post-hoc t-test for analysis (p<0.05). Minute ventilation, oxygen uptake and the heart rate were at least 18% higher during a multiplayer mode for Kinect football and boxing but not for track & field. Energy expenditure was 21% higher during multiplay football. Single play track & field had higher metabolic equivalent than single play football (5.7 ±1.6, range: 3.2–8.6 vs 4.1 ±1.0, range: 3.0–6.1, p<0.05). Exergaming in a multiplayer mode can provide higher physiological demands but the effects are game-dependent. It seems that exergaming with low intensity in a multiplayer mode may provide a greater physical challenge for participants than in a single play mode but may not consistently provide sufficient intensity to acquire health benefits when played regularly as part of a programme to promote and maintain health in young adults.

Energy Expenditure during Active Video Games

Active video gaming (exergames) provides engaging exercise experiences by combining physical exertion with interactive game play, having the potential to reduce sedentary behavior, increase physical activity, and improve health outcomes. In particular, it has been hypothesized that multiplayer mode should be preferred to singleplayer mode in individuals using exergames as a form of exercise. However, no study investigated these aspects in activity intense high enough to contribute to daily physical activity recommendations. PURPOSE: To evaluate energy expenditure during Zumba Fitness Rush (ZFR) exergame in single and multiplayer mode. METHODS: Eleven (Male, M=4; Female, F=7) physically active (engaging in at least 3-day/week of moderate-to-intense physical activity) college students (age: 25±3years; height: 1.7±0.1m; weight: 60.8±14.2kg; BMI: 20.6±1.6) gave their written consent of participation. After 3 familiarization sessions with the 50-min ZFR exergame (lesson 1, middle vesion), participants took part in single (ZFR-S) and one multiplayer (ZFR-M) mode sessions, randomly ordered with at least 2-days between. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was continuously recorded by a telemetric open-circuit measurement system, and energy expenditure was espressed as metabolic equivalents (METs). ANOVA for repeated measures was used to evaluate differences (p<0.05) in relation to playing modes (singleplayer vs multiplayer). RESULTS: No difference emerged in METs (M: ZFR-S=5.1±1.9; ZFR-M=4.6±1.7; F: ZFR-S=3.9±1.6; ZFR-M=3.7±1.9) and VO2 in relation to body mass (M: ZFR-S=17.8±6.8 ml/Kg/min; ZFR-M=16.0±6.0 ml/Kg/min; F: ZFR-S=13.8±5.5 ml/Kg/min; ZFR-M=13.1±6.6 ml/Kg/min). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study showed that ZFR exergame could represent an alternative form of moderate physical activity. Although an effect of number of players could be expected, different player modes did not effect energy expenditure during ZFR in young male and female individuals. It could be speculated that the rhythm of the music imposes a time constraint to the performer, independently from the presence of other players. Future studies should take into consideration also enjoyable, motivational and psychologycal aspects of single vs multiplayer modes.

Pegembangan Game dengan Menggunakan Teknologi Voice Recognition Berbasis Android

The purpose of this research is to create a new kind of game by using technology that rarely used in current games. It is developed as an entertainment media and also a social media in which the users can play the games together via multiplayer mode. This research uses Scrum development method since it supports small scaled developer and it supports software increment along the development. Using this game application, the users can play and watch interesting animations by controlling it with their voice, listen the character imitating the users’ voice, play various mini games both in single player or multiplayer mode via Bluetooth connection. The conclusion is that game application of My Name is Dug use voice recognition and inter-devices connection as its main features. It also has various mini games that support both single player and multiplayer.

World of Trivia: A Player versus Player Game in the Web of Data with User Generated Content

Digital games have become an integral part of the culture of the new generations. Edutainment and Games Based Learning (GBL) seem to have found their place within the overall educational process, as “traditional teaching” methods are increasingly considered inefficient in providing the required learning outcomes. This paper presents World of Trivia, an online multiplayer game developed within the Facebook environment through the use of the node.js platform, one of the most modern server-side techniques for online gaming. The game presented retrieves its content from DBpedia, the Wikipedia knowledge base, through the use of Semantic Web technologies. World of Trivia provides an excellent environment for Internet users to challenge themselves either in single player or multiplayer mode by answering questions on the various thematic domains that Wikipedia Open Content provides, combining in this way entertainment with education.