Gameplay Research Articles

Research on the Quadrilateral Evolutionary Game of Governance for Small Property Rights Housing on Rural Land in China

Research on the Quadrilateral Evolutionary Game of Governance for Small Property Rights Housing on Rural Land in China

An uncertainty quantification framework for agent-based modeling and simulation in networked anagram games

ABSTRACT In a networked anagram game, players are provided letters with possible actions of requesting letters from their neighbours, replying to letter requests, or forming words. The objective is to form as many words as possible as a team. The experimental data show that behaviours among players can vary significantly. However, simulations using agent-based models (ABM) in the literature often have not incorporated proper uncertainty quantification methods to characterise diverse behaviours of players. In this work, we propose an uncertainty quantification framework to build, exercise, and evaluate agent behaviour models and simulations for networked group anagram games. Specifically, using the data of game experiments, the proposed framework considers the clustering of game players based on their performance to reflect players’ heterogeneity. Moreover, we also quantify uncertainty within each cluster through statistical modelling and inference. Numerical studies of networked game configurations are conducted to demonstrate the merits of the proposed framework.

A Necessary and Sufficient Condition Beyond Monotonicity for Convergence of the Gradient Play in Continuous Games

A Necessary and Sufficient Condition Beyond Monotonicity for Convergence of the Gradient Play in Continuous Games

Serious educational games for children: A comprehensive framework

IntroductionSerious educational games are digital games designed to support teaching or learning objectives that have become popular among children. However, a set of principles is needed to develop a successful educational game. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive and valid framework for designing children's serious educational games. MethodsThe conceptual framework is developed in two phases. First, a scoping review was conducted in PubMed, Ovid (APA PsycInfo), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and gray literature on August 1, 2022. Papers in English that reported the serious educational games’ principles for children were included. Second, the extracted data from the previous step was reviewed and discussed by the research team to develop the initial framework. Then, it was distributed to 20 experts with relevant knowledge and experience in two rounds to validate and apply their comments within the framework. ResultsOf the 12916 papers identified, 15 were included in this study. In the proposed framework named CoDHP, the results were classified into four topics, including (a) content aspects, (b) design requirements, (c) highlighted attributes, and (d) children's preferences. Content aspects comprise four classes (goals and limits, child learning content, learning context, and a long-term program) with 16 principles. Design requirements contain 11 classes (stories and storylines, player characters, game mechanics, interactivity, game challenge, game rules, game help, entertaining games, user interface, accessibility, and setting) with 47 principles, of which 15 are highlighted. Regarding children's preferences for the game elements, various similarities and differences were extracted. For instance, both girls and boys prefer fun and popular games. Based on experts' comments, 21 supplementary principles were recommended to complete the content and design requirements. ConclusionGame designers or researchers can use the proposed framework as a formative guide to design successful serious games or evaluate children's digital games.

The Prospective Effect of Protective Gaming Beliefs and Behaviors on Problematic Gaming, Mental Health, and Well-Being of Video Game Players

While most players enjoy video gaming, a minority suffer from problematic gaming. Existing studies focused on risk factors and proposed legislative and technological measures to contain the undesirable consequences. The present study aims to examine whether players’ healthy gaming practices can protect themselves against problematic gaming. We conducted a longitudinal survey at a public university in China, 604 college students took the first wave survey, and 365 of them completed the second wave six months later. The results showed that protective gaming beliefs and behaviors at baseline were negatively associated with problematic gaming tendency, and positively associated with mental health and well-being at follow-up. Problematic gaming tendency did not predict mental health and well-being. The findings suggested that players’ self-regulation can be an effective measure against problematic gaming and promote mental health and well-being. The present study can inspire stakeholders to develop additional approaches to help at-risk and problematic players.

BENEFITS OF DRAMA-BASED ACTIVITIES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine has disrupted education, affecting both students and teachers. Despite numerous challenges, the country continues to pursue its educational reform. This paper investigates the role of drama-based activities in developing public speaking skills of high school students. The literature review emphasizes the need for innovative teaching methods in the face of educational reform. Empirical studies analyzed showcase positive impact of drama-based activities on speaking skills development of high school students worldwide. To contextualize the research within Ukrainian educational policy, the study defines key terms such as "drama," "dramatization", ”drama-based activities”, and "public speaking" in the foreign language learning context. The study defines dramatization as the interaction of a teacher and students in drama games, role plays, improvisations, simulations and theatre projects aimed at forming the students’ communicative competence. Public speaking is positioned as a crucial component of broader communicative competence, as outlined in educational standards. The paper proposes pedagogical implications for integrating drama-based activities into language lessons, elective courses, and extracurricular activities at the upper-secondary level. The synthesis of research findings reveals three overarching categories of benefits of drama-based activities for public speaking skills development of high school students: language learning, personal, and social. Improved pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar skills, increased engagement, creativity, and enhanced interpersonal skills are reported outcomes. The study concludes with a call for further research, particularly exploring the integration of technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance public speaking of high school students.

플레이 수준 조절이 가능한 강화학습 기반 카드형 대전 게임 에이전트

Game agents which are behavioral agent for game playing are a crucial component of game satisfaction. However it takes a lot of time and effort to create game agents for various game levels, environments, and players. In addition, when the game environment changes such as adding contents or updating characters, new game agents need to be developed and the development difficulty gradually increases. And it is important to have a game agent that can be customized for different levels of players. This is because a game agent that can play games of various levels is more useful and can increase the satisfaction of more players than a high-level game agent. In this paper, we propose a method for learning and controlling the level of play of game agents that can be rapidly developed and fine-tuned for various game environments and changes. At this time, reinforcement learning applies a policy-based distributed reinforcement learning method IMPALA for flexible processing and fast learning of various behavioral structures. Once reinforcement learning is complete, we choose actions by sampling based on Softmax-Temperature method. From this result, we show that the game agent's play level decreases as the Temperature value increases. This shows that it is possible to easily control the play level.

The Effect of Drill Form To The Wall on The Accuracy of Passing The Inside Foot of PERBI FC Football Players

This study aims to solve the problem of drill training forms on the accuracy of passing the inner foot so that players have good passing quality and are right in the direction of the ball's goal. The sample of this study is PERBI FC Football players in the Bandung Regency area. The number of samples of this study is 30 PERBI FC players, this research test consists of 1 type, namely the inner foot passing accuracy test where the accuracy of passing must be measured, and the passing accuracy test with a distance of 10 meters. Lack of passing accuracy in the game of football, this drill exercise can have the right influence on the accuracy of passing in the football game. In line with the title of the research that the researchers took, this study uses the Experiment method with the research design using one group pretest-posttest design, because to find out the influence and magnitude of the influence of the results of the research taken. The results of research conducted by researchers about the Effect of the Form of Drill Drill to the Wall on the Accuracy of Passing the Inside Foot of PERBI FC Football Players in football games, the amount of influence is 0.01.

Exploring virtual goods purchase intentions: an integrated SEM-NCA approach in online gaming

PurposeVirtual goods consumption has risen dramatically in recent years. Recognizing the benefits of virtual goods in generating revenue for online game companies, marketers strive to understand the motives behind virtual goods purchases. We investigated the direct and indirect effects of functional, emotional, and social values through player satisfaction on purchase intention toward virtual goods among online players.Design/methodology/approachIn total, we surveyed 332 online game players utilizing a structured questionnaire. We employed a multi-analytic approach combining partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) to examine the proposed relationships.FindingsThe findings show that all dimensions of value and player satisfaction significantly affect the intention to acquire virtual goods. However, social value does not exert a significant effect on player satisfaction. Moreover, we confirmed that player satisfaction mediates the relationships between functional value, emotional value, and purchase intention. Furthermore, NCA results indicated that all predictors in the model are necessary conditions of purchase intention for virtual goods.Originality/valueThese findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of purchase intentions among online game players from a symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (NCA) perspective by proposing a multi-analytic approach.

Analysing the manipulation of the number of players on tactical, technical, and physical performance in youth futsal

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe and compare the effects of different practice tasks, specifically 4 × 4, 3 × 3, 2 × 2 with goalkeepers (GK) in a 40 × 20 m field court. Forty-two male U17 players (age = 15.62 ± 0.58 years) from three futsal teams participated in the study. The tactical-technical offensive and defensive actions were measured using Videobserver® software. To measure external load (EL) and internal load (IL) during futsal tasks, the WIMU PROTM Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracking system was used. To compare the tasks, the ANOVA for repeated measures was used. Results revealed that the reduction on the number of players contributed to increase the number of passing and shooting actions, while a generalised increase in physical and physiological responses were observed. In general, the major differences were observed between GK + 2 × 2 + GK and GK + 3 × 3 + GK in relation to GK + 4 × 4 + GK while some differences in physical and tactical-technical actions were also observed between GK + 2 × 2 + GK and GK + 3 × 3 + GK. Thus, the reduction on the number of players in large games can be considered a pedagogical strategy to promote an increase in the tactical-technical actions, such as passing and shooting actions, increasing the physical intensity of players.

Wearable patterned single electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator for peak-encoded interface

Advancement in human-machine interface (HMI) is indispensable for development of virtual/augmented reality, robotics control, and artificial intelligence (AI). However, there lack a simple facile electronics to achieve accurate finger motion recognition and remote robot control through simple signal processing. Herein, a wearable patterned single electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (PS-TENG) based on regenerated silk film (rSF) is developed for peak-encoded interface, which can accurately identify the handwritten numbers or letters. The patterned single electrode, composed of nine units with five different patterns, is successfully constructed by ink-jet printing Ag inks on the rSF. When handwriting on the PS-TENG, the generated output voltage with different peak amplitude can be transformed into a peak spectrum with spatial information. Handwriting numbers or letters can be accurately identified through simple digitization data processing of the peak-encoded spectrum without complex algorithms. Furthermore, the PS-TENG as peak-encoded interface enables precise game play, accurate pattern lock, and wireless robot control. Importantly, based on relative amplitude of output signals, the peak-encoded code is regardless of factors including absolute amplitude of output signals, sliding speed and environmental humidity. Consequently, the PS-TENG, characterized by self-powered feature, simple structure and straightforward signal processing, demonstrates remarkable identification accuracy of handwritten numbers and letters through decoding unique and stable peak spectrum, which would have great potential in the field of virtual control panels, HMI and AI.

Intelligent Classifiers for Football Player Performance Based on Machine Learning Models

The remarkable effectiveness of Machine Learning (ML) methodologies has led to a significant increase in their application across various academic domains, particularly in diverse sports sectors. Over the past decade, scholars have utilized Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in football for varied objectives, encompassing the analysis of football players' performances, injury prediction, market value forecasting, and action recognition. Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of research addressing the evaluation of football players' performance, which is a noteworthy concern for coaches. Hence, the objective of this work is to categorize the performance of football players into active, normal, or weak based on activity features. This will be achieved through the utilization of the Performance Evaluation Machine Learning Model (PEMLM), employing two novel datasets that cover both training and match sessions. To attain this goal, seven machine learning methods are applied, namely Random Forest, Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and K-Nearest Neighbor. The findings indicate that in the dataset corresponding to match sessions, the Decision Tree classifier attains the highest accuracy (100%) and the shortest test time. In contrast, the K-Nearest Neighbor demonstrates the best accuracy (96%) and a reasonable test time for the training dataset. These reported metrics underscore the reliability and validity of the proposed assessment approach in evaluating the performance of football players in online games. The results are verified and the models are assessed for overfitting through a k-fold cross-validation process.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a low fidelity, easily available simulator to teach basic arthroscopy skills to novice learners: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundArthroscopy proficiency is key to being a competent orthopaedic surgeon and acquiring arthroscopic skills takes years of exposure and diligent practice. However, today’s graduating consultants have had considerably less time in operating theatre than their senior colleagues at the same point of their careers. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether: (1) Students could improve their arthroscopic technique using a low fidelity arthroscopic training tool (2) students enjoyed the use of the simulator (3) If certain demographics correlate to performance on the simulator. MethodsMedical students who have no previous training in arthroscopy were included. A combined left- and right-handed timed run with a low-fidelity arthroscopic triangulation simulator was recorded before and after 40-minutes of practice. Results84 participants took part with an average improvement of was 66.8%. Students felt that their arthroscopic skills increased on average by 36.4%. 73 of the 84 participants gave the maximum score of 5 when asked if they enjoyed the session and 74 participants gave the maximum score of 5 as to whether they would be interested in participating in further sessions. Factors such as biological sex, video game play and sports were found to be statistically significant to performance. ConclusionsThis study showed a statistically significant improvement in students’ arthroscopic performance with a low-fidelity arthroscopic simulator. Students found the experience useful with the vast majority indicating interest in completing further training sessions to help improve practical surgical skills. Video gamers, sports players and males were found to have a correlation with performance on the simulator.

Power asymmetry in repeated play of provision and appropriation games

This paper studies the effect of power asymmetry on resolution of social dilemmas in repeated play of linear public good games. The experiment uses a 2 × 2 design that crosses power symmetry or asymmetry in payoff-equivalent provision and appropriation games with positive (provision) or negative (appropriation) externalities. Power asymmetry combines privileged access to information with extended opportunity sets that allow for taking a public good provided or not-appropriated by others. Our data suggest that power asymmetry has a detrimental effect on efficiency, with the effect being more pronounced in the asymmetric-power appropriation game. Individual allocations to the public good increase in others’ allocations, suggesting that individual allocations are not strategic substitutes. With power asymmetry, first movers earn less than the second mover in the appropriation game but not in the provision game.

Extended hours of video game play and negative physical symptoms and pain

BackgroundVideo games are a source of positive experiences and joy for many people. However, some interaction styles may lead to negative consequences. We aimed to examine the potential negative physical problems associated with video gaming behaviors. MethodData were from the 2022 International Gaming Study (IGS22), a cross-sectional survey of 955 individuals aged 18–94 (M = 46.10 [16.19]; 45% male) who played video games. We examined the association between prolonged continuous game play and physical problems identified in the past 12 months. ResultsPlaying video games for three or more hours in one session was associated with higher odds of negative physical symptoms (e.g., overall physical problems, OR = 2.80 [95% CI: 1.52–5.16, p < 0.001 and back or neck pain, OR = 2.19 [95% CI: 1.28–3.74], p < 0.01). Those who met the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) threshold for internet gaming disorder had four times higher odds of physical problems. The positive associations between extended gaming behavior and physical symptoms were not moderated by age, gender, plans to be a professional player, or meeting the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder. ConclusionsPhysical problems and pain occur disproportionately in individuals who engage in extended hours of continuous game play, including risk, women, individuals in older age groups, and those without internet gaming disorder. Video game players across the demographic spectrum should be alerted to these risks,

Analysis of the influence of artificial intelligence technology on the immersion of game players

Since the application of artificial intelligence in games, a variety of different games have come out, and more and more people consume their rest time by playing games as entertainment. This paper mainly studies the influence of artificial intelligence technology on the immersion of game players and its reflection on the development of games. The purpose of the research is to prove how artificial intelligence technology has an impact on the immersion of game players and what aspects of the game. Mainly through the analysis of the relationship between artificial intelligence and game development, peoples views on the application of artificial intelligence in games and feedback to study. This paper finds that artificial intelligence technology has a very positive and positive impact on the immersion of game players and still has a profound impact on the future development of games.

Hygienic assessment of gaming conditions in the context of studying health risk factors for video game players

The article investigates the impact of regular engagement in computer games on the health of young individuals. Survey results indicate that players encounter issues with the musculoskeletal system and visual analyzer, including muscle pain, headaches, numbness, and spasms. An analysis of psychophysiological and social aspects reveals that esports athletes face not only physical problems but also psychological stress. Identified psychological issues include mood decline, anxiety, and irritability. The authors identify key health risk factors for esports athletes, such as high gaming frequency and duration, signs of computer dependency, lack of specialized equipment and furniture, consumption of stimulating substances during gaming, sedentary lifestyle, and sleep disturbances. The research underscores the importance of preventive measures and raising awareness of health risks among computer game players. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to the well-being of this demographic, addressing both physical and mental aspects. The study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges associated with regular computer gaming, providing a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate potential health risks. Implementing preventive measures and fostering an understanding of the risks involved are crucial for promoting the health and well-being of individuals engaged in computer gaming activities.

Analysis of Differences in Running Demands between Official Matches and Transition Games of Young Professional Soccer Players according to the Playing Position.

The aim of this study was to compare the running demands of transition games (TGs) and official matches, analysing their requirements according to the performance of each position. An observational design was used to examine the activity of 20 soccer players during official matches and TGs. GPS technology was used to monitor the total distance covered (DC), distance at speeds between 14-17.9 km•h-1, 18-21 km•h-1, and above 21 km•h-1, peak speed, accelerations and decelerations above 2.5 m•s-2, and Player Load for both activities. All players were assigned to groups: centre-backs (CBs), fullbacks (FBs), defensive midfielders (DMFs), offensive midfielders (OMFs), wide midfielders (WMFs) and strikers (Ss). TGs showed greater total DC, DC 14-17.9 km•h-1, DC 18-21 km•h-1, DC >21 km•h-1, accelerations and decelerations >2.5 m•s-2, and Player Load (p < 0.01). CBs, FBs and Ss showed more DC, DC 14-17.9 km•h-1, DC 18-21 km•h-1, DC >21 km•h-1, accelerations and decelerations >2.5 m•s-2 and Player Load in TGs (p < 0.01). In the midfielder positions, transition game players showed greater DC 18-21 km•h-1, DC >21 km•h-1, accelerations and decelerations >2.5 m•s-2 than in matches (p < 0.05). DMFs showed higher total DC (p < 0.05) and WMFs greater DC and DC 14-17.9 km•h-1 (p < 0.01) in these drills. During transition games CBs showed greater DC 14-17.9 km•h-1 than FBs, and greater DC than Ss (p < 0.05). FBs performed more decelerations >2.5 m•s-2 than DMFs and OMFs (p < 0.05). TGs produced a homogenized load in soccer players, independent of their position, which exceeded the external load of official matches.

High-skilled first-person shooting game players have specific frontal lobe activity: Power spectrum analysis in an electroencephalogram study

First-person shooting (FPS) games are among the most famous video games worldwide. However, cortical activities in environments related to real FPS games have not been studied. This study aimed to determine differences in cortical activity between low- and high-skilled FPS game players using 160-channel electroencephalography. Nine high-skilled FPS game players (official ranks: above the top 10%) and eight low-skilled FPS game players (official ranks: lower than the top 20%) were recruited for the experiment. The task was set for five different conditions using the AimLab program, which was used for the FPS game players’ training. Additionally, we recorded the brain activity in the resting condition before and after the task, in which the participants closed their eyes and relaxed. The reaction time and accuracy (the number of hit-and-miss targets) were calculated to evaluate the task performance. The results showed that high-skilled FPS game players have fast reaction times and high accuracy during tasks. High-skilled FPS game players had higher cortical activity in the frontal cortex than low-skilled FPS game players during each task. In low-skilled players, cortical activity level and performance level were associated. These results suggest that high cortical activity levels were critical to achieving high performance in FPS games.

Multiplayer boycotts in convex games

We extend the notion of boycotts between players in cooperative games to boycotts between coalitions. We prove that convex games offer a proper setting for studying these games. Boycotts have a heterogeneous effect. Individual players that are targeted by many-on-one boycotts suffer most, while non-participating players may actually benefit from a boycott.