Game Development Process Research Articles

GameScript: a simplified scripting language for video game development

The process of video game development is complex, requiring proficiency in various technologies for design and implementation, including mastery of game engines and associated programming languages. Defining the behaviors of game elements within the necessary subprocesses poses a significant challenge. This challenge arises partly due to the utilization of general-purpose programming languages, which offer a wide range of options and allow tasks to be approached from different angles. This study introduces GameScript, a simplified scripting language designed for video game development. Based on principles of structured programming and inspired by the While language, GameScript focuses on essential game behavior definitions using a limited set of statements, including IF-THEN-ELSE selection and operations related to game elements to create and destroy them, or to modify properties. By using only numeric variables and simple arithmetic and relational operators, GameScript simplifies data handling and allows for the creation of various arcade games with straightforward syntax. Integrated into a multi-agent system game engine, GameScript has been validated through the successful implementation of diverse arcade game mechanics, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Data Analysis in Game Design: Enhancing the Player Experience

Data science plays an important role in many fields, and games have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years to occupy an important place in the entertainment industry. This paper explores the various applications of statistical analysis in game design, highlighting how developers can use data to optimize game mechanics, improve player engagement and overall user satisfaction. The results of the study show that by exploring and analyzing player behavioral patterns, market trends, and feedback, a science-based method is utilized to assist in decisions during the whole game development process. This method enables the developer to create games that are more relevant to the players preferences, providing a better gaming experience. Additionally, developers can use the data feedback to constantly optimize their games and make improvements based on player feedback in time after release. However, due to the rapid advancement of the gaming industry and the heterogeneity of the player community, data science is merely a supplementary instrument that assists developers in enhancing the player's gaming experience.

The Perceived Improvement in Learning Competencies of Low-achieving College Students through Participation in a Board Game Design and Development Process

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which low-achieving college students perceive an improvement in their learning competencies through their experience of participating in the design and development processes of a board games. The research questions are as follows. First, what learning competencies do low-achieving college students perceive to have improved through the board game design and development process? Second, what are the relationships between the keywords of the learning competencies that low-achieving college students perceive to have improved through the board game design and development process? For this study, reflective journals from 97 low-achieving college students who participated in the board game design and development process were analyzed. Specifically, keywords related to the learning competency improvement were derived, and the relationships between these keywords were analyzed. The findings are as follows First, low-achieving college students perceived that their collaboration skills improved the most through the experience of participating in the board game design and development process, followed by problem-solving skills, communication skills, learning transfer, and interaction skills. Second, the keywords related to learning competency improvement perceived by low-achieving college students were found to be significantly interconnected. Collaboration skills were strongly linked to problem-solving skills, communication skills, learning transfer, creativity, and interaction. Problem-solving skills were closely connected to experience of success and creativity. The results of this study provide valuable insights for designing and implementing tailored programs aimed at enhancing the learning competencies of low-achieving college students.

SOFTWARE MATURITY LEVEL AND TRAINING OF QUALIFIED PERSONNEL IN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES AT IFBA

The Brazilian Digital Games Industry has grown significantly over the past few years, resulting in the approval, by the Federal Senate, of Bill PL 2.796/2021, which creates the legal framework for the electronic games industry. Educational programs focused on game development in Brazil are a necessity for training talent and promoting innovation in this segment. Being a high-risk business, digital game development requires metrics that can assess technology development. In this context, the objective of this work was to present a correlation between the level of software technology readiness and the digital game development process, as well as to analyze IFBA courses that increase the supply of qualified personnel in digital game development. For this, bibliographic and documentary research procedures were used. Four technology readiness level (TRL) scales applied to software developed by American and Brazilian government agencies were identified, all adapted from the TRL scales and requiring adjustments for application in the various software technologies. The DG-STRL scale, by Ferreira and Ribeiro, correlates the stages of digital game development with the TRL for software technology, and is an instrument focused on the sector. It was observed that the IFBA offers game development courses at continuing education, undergraduate and specialization levels, contributing to the training of talented developers capable of competing on a global scale.

Balancing Playability and Historical Accuracy in Game Design - Developing the Struve Geodetic Arc Mobile Game

Numerous digital games and media with historical themes aim to educate or engage audiences with heritage. When developing a historical video game, some of the most critical design decisions are centered around finding the balance between an accurate presentation of historical facts and engaging gameplay. This paper examines the game developer's role in selecting and presenting historical content through a case study of a mobile game development process. The design choices and developers' positions related to using historical facts are examined through thematic analysis of interview data and game design documents. Recurring themes in the data reveal a constant interplay between game features and historical content, supported by historical knowledge and technology. In small teams, individual developers often make crucial design decisions while performing multiple roles. As key findings, we report that the resourcing and timing of historical research significantly impacts developers' decisions, and note varying degrees of interest in historical accuracy within the development team.

Integrating Agile Methodologies and Gamification for Student Engagement and Success

The article highlights a flexible and adaptable approach for the development of game like activities for higher education students from Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania. The approach embraces agile methodologies to guide the iterative development process of educational games and consists of several key elements. First, it underlines the importance of defining clear learning objectives and aligning them with the game’s design. Second, it encourages multidisciplinary collaboration between teachers and instructional designers to deliver relevant information to students, but also appropriate to their learning styles and needs. Regarding engineering problems and methods, students frequently encounter several difficulties. For this reason, the article attempts to provide an organized and engaging learning environment that encourages active participation and information retention. In industrial engineering, most of the students’ exposure is to theoretical materials; nevertheless, there are several ways to give them practical experience with the topics they are studying. Using a comprehensive review of the literature, the article explores the pedagogical benefits, challenges, and practices associated with the use of agile methodologies in education. Agile methods are very based on collaboration, teamwork, flexibility, and participation, and help create a more relaxed learning environment to support students' increasing need for control over their learning path. Throughout regular communication and feedback cycles, students can iterate on content and pedagogical approaches, resulting in activities and games that are more engaging and effective for learning. In the end, the paper presents the conclusions of the authors on the current advantages and limitations of using this approach based on agility and game-based learning in higher education.

Limes (the Roman Frontier): Developing a Video Game for History Learning

The use of gaming technologies in education holds great promise to provide engaging learning experiences. Whereas video games have been successfully used to foster learning in several school subjects, the current understanding of the potential of video games for history learning is still limited. This paper details the development of Limes, a 2D top-down educational game created in Unity and rendered in pixel art. The game targets 5th/6th grade secondary school students and is set in the third century AD in southern Germany, a period characterized by political and social instabilities. Limes digs into the complex relations between the Roman Empire and the Alemanni tribe, one of the most powerful Germanic tribes of this period. The player can experience this pixelated world through the eyes of an Alemanni child, who forms a friendship with a Roman centurion. The unfolding narrative places the young protagonist in the precarious balance of peace and conflict, and the player needs to navigate the diplomatic tensions of the era. The gameplay consists of five levels, including primary missions and optional secondary missions which unlock special features (e.g., puzzles, quizzes). Limes incorporates a variety of game mechanics, ranging from running and interacting with characters to stealth missions, throwing rocks, and horse racing. These dynamics are integrated into the historical narrative of the game, enriching the player's experience. The game development process combined insights and methods from multiple disciplines, including game-based learning, educational, social, and cultural psychology, education sciences and pedagogy, and history education. Moreover, the game capitalizes on Unity’s wide array of development tools, which provide extensive customization possibilities, and employs pixel art, facilitating an engaging environment while maintaining a cost-conscious development process. Initial tests and expert feedback highlight the promise of Limes as a game that leverages historical accuracy and innovative educational tools to foster a deeper understanding of Roman history. Next steps include empirical studies with students to test the game's effectiveness (e.g., in improving interest in and knowledge of Roman history).

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.

Mathematical Game Development Process From The Perspective of Gifted Students: The Concept of Relation

This qualitative case study aims to examine the Rock-Paper-Scissors game within the framework of the relation and to determine the experiences and opinions of gifted students in the game development process. The study was conducted with 45 students studying at Science-Art Center. In the study, activities related to relations and their properties were carried out by the students. Within the scope of the activities, the Rock-Paper-Scissors game was analyzed within the framework of the concept of relation and developing a game was carried out. The experiences and opinions of the participants were obtained with an opinion form. The data obtained in the research were analyzed via content analysis. As a result of the research, although gifted students thought that developing games in the process was confusing, they found the application parts of the activity fun. They preferred to carry out the activity as a group. In addition, the mathematical concepts that the students used the most while developing the rock-paper-scissors game were relation, probability, sets, cartesian product and relation properties. The results of this study show that gifted students want to participate in different game development processes in the context of mathematics because it offers them the opportunity to socialize with people similar to their own level.

Noita

In this article, we present a case study where we used timelines as a structuring method for understanding the creative process of game development spanning several years. In the case study, an indie game, Noita, with over ten years of development time, was analyzed through a multitude of sources such as devlogs, prototypes, builds, interviews and fan engagement. As a result, we came up with a timeline with over 150 entries in seven distinct phases to showcase the richness of the design journey, with multiple milestones and influences on the development process. In this article, we reflect on the research process and suggest the use of the timeline method as a part of the multidisciplinary toolset for studying game design.

Heuristics for Equitable Technical Communication in Remote & Hybrid Game Development

Purpose: This article seeks to provide a set of heuristics for technical communication, addressing the newfound challenges to game developers as a result of the seemingly permanent shift to hybrid and remote work in this industry. In particular, this piece offers developers tangible ways in which they can facilitate productive and equitable means of technical communications that account for the unique needs of this kind of work that now takes place in almost exclusively remote and hybrid working situations. Method: This piece relies on both survey and interview data collected from nearly 300 members of the Independent Game Developers Association (IGDA) and at various games-based conferences (e.g., the Game Developers Conference) over a period of two years through a partnership grant between York University and the IGDA. Results: The results noted two key findings: First, the majority of game developers do not want to or intend to ever return to a fully physical office setting. Second, the results indicate that the shift to remote work more often negatively impacted female and non-binary developers, most likely due to the additional caregiving responsibilities traditionally emplaced on these groups. Conclusion: Technical communication is a central part of the game development process and has become even more pivotal as developers continue to operate under remote and hybrid working conditions. As such, the heuristics developed from this data focus on addressing the needs of these groups so that the remote and hybrid workplaces can operate as equitably as possible in this new industry model.

Search-based co-creation of software models: The case of particle systems for video games

Context:The video game industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. However, the creation of content is the bottleneck of the industry nowadays. Objective:In this paper, we propose a new approach for co-creating content by means of combining an evolutionary algorithm Map-Elites, and software models. Our approach involves generating a large number of software models and selecting the best ones based on a fitness function. This fitness function is guided by the human, who chooses which content fits their interests best. Method:We evaluated this approach in the domain of Particle Systems (PS). PS are a popular type of content used to create visual effects such as explosions, fire, smoke, or rain. Our evaluation also involves industry experts of different roles in the video game development process. Using our approach, they were tasked to create PS for their games. Then, they compared the generated models with handmade ones. Results:Our results show that practitioners chose the generated models four out of five times over handmade ones as a better fit for their projects. Furthermore, models created with our approach by non-experts in five minutes are similar in quality to the ones hand-made by an expert in 15 min. Conclusion:In conclusion, using human artistic taste to guide the algorithm renders positive results in creative tasks such as content generation for video games. With minor adjustments, the generated content can be game-ready, accelerating development.

Game development, data analytics, and discourses of care

This article tracks promotional discourses surrounding ‘off the shelf’ data analytics tools used in game development, particularly those used for developing games in the platform economy. Through discourse analysis, I focus on the narratives produced by data analytics companies about the benefits of these tools for developing games (making, monetising, distributing). My analysis centres on the discourse of time – of data, as an object that renders spatially discrete ongoing flows of activity, providing prescriptive insight in real time, with minimal requisite technical knowledge – insights which profitably shape engage the ongoing process of game development; an imaginary which, I argue, severely delimits the potential for imagining alternative game development futures.

HABERTAN: Game Petualangan 3D Dengan Tema Pemilahan Sampah Sebagai Upaya Pendekatan Inovatif Untuk Pengenalan Lingkungan

The increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining forest cleanliness as a primary ecosystem is becoming more urgent, especially in remote areas with limited deep socialization. This research aims to develop an innovative game titled "HABERTAN" focusing on waste sorting in forest areas to raise public awareness of the waste present in the forest. By utilizing a 3D model for visual assets with stages of 2D sketch, 3D modeling, UV Mapping, and Texture Baking. The development of this game is conducted using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) method. The ADDIE method is used to ensure a systematic game development process, starting from needs analysis to performance evaluation. The goal of this game is to provide players with an interactive experience that not only entertains but also provides a deep understanding of the impact of waste on forest sustainability. The game "HABERTAN (Let's Clean the Forest)" is designed to provide players with a fun and educational learning experience. The results of the development of this game show that "HABERTAN" provides a unique experience for players, with the ability to learn while playing. It is hoped that this game can be an effective tool in raising public awareness of the importance of maintaining forest cleanliness, especially in the context of waste sorting. Through this innovative approach, it is hoped to encourage active participation from the community in preserving forests as extremely valuable natural resources.

Teaching Practice of Virtual Reality Development Course Based on Coin Collecting Game Project

In response to traditional process-based project-based teaching, each chapter of the course is structured around an independent project. However, this approach lacks coherence in project content, leading to low participation and enthusiasm among students in the classroom. This article combines the characteristics of virtual reality development courses and introduces a novel teaching practice model driven by a gold coin-picking game project. The course content is seamlessly integrated into the practical aspects of the gold coin-picking game project. The course learning process mirrors the virtual reality game development process, effectively engaging students and fostering active learning, resulting in a sense of achievement.

Broomrocket: Open Source Text-to-3D Algorithm for 3D Object Placement

Story writers and other creative professionals often rely on concept artists to visualize and then further iterate on their work during game development and other visualization processes. This exchange and its various stages are time-consuming, and there is no easy remedy for creating a walkable 3D concept art without involving a 3D artist yet. As a first step, we present Broomrocket, an open source text-to-3D algorithm for 3D concept art. Broomrocket’s contribution is an object relation and placement algorithm that transforms user input describing a 3D scene given in plain English language into actual models placed in a 3D scene. It runs locally using an existing downloaded natural language processing model and does not require third party services unless a connection to an online 3D model distribution platform is desired. In that case, Broomrocket will search for the keywords from the user’s narrative input and desired license, and place them in the 3D scene, adding each model’s individual license to a license file for further usage.

Artificial Intelligence in the Game Development Process

Artificial Intelligence in the Game Development Process

Heroes of Diabetica: Game Pembelajaran Edukasi Diabetes untuk Anak

Learning media is a tool or means used to facilitate the delivery of information, concepts, and skills in the educational process. In the healthcare industry, one prominent application of learning media is through games, especially serious games. Serious games are interactive software designed to provide education in an engaging manner that involves gaming elements. This study aims to analyze the development of a serious game called 'Heroes of Diabetica' to provide diabetes education and deliver interactive and engaging learning to children. The research method employed in this study utilizes the research and development (RD) approach. The game development process follows the ADDIE Model, involving the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Data collection was conducted through game testing and questionnaire responses from 20 participants. The results of the study indicate that 'Heroes of Diabetica,' developed as an RPG game, effectively created a suitable educational tool for children aged 10–15 to deliver basic information about diabetes, including symptoms, definition, causes, types, management, long-term effects, and understanding the importance of the disease. User response results using the USE Questionnaire show that this game provides a better understanding of diabetes, combined with an enjoyable gaming experience for players, and the game can be played without causing difficulties for the players.

Level Building Sidekick: An AI-Assisted Level Editor Package for Unity

Developing an original video game requires high investment levels, market research, cost-effective solutions, and a quick development process. Game developers usually reach for commercial off-the-shelf components often available in the engine's marketplace to reduce costs. Mixed-initiative authoring tools allow us to combine the thoughtful work of human designers with the productivity gains of automated techniques. However, most commercial AI-assisted Procedural Content Generation tools focus on generating small independent components, and standalone research tools available for generating full game levels with state-of-the-art algorithms usually lack integration with commercial game engines. This article aims to fill this gap between industry and academia. The Level Building Sidekick (LBS) is a mixed-initiative procedural content generation tool built by our research lab in association with four small independent game studios. It has a modular software architecture that enables developers to extend it for their particular projects. The current version has two working modules for building game maps, an early version of a module for populating the level with NPCs or items, and the first stages of a quest editor module. An automated testing module is planned. LBS is distributed as an AI-Assisted videogame-level editor Unity package. Usability testing performed using the ``Think-Aloud'' methodology indicates LBS has the potential to improve game development processes convincingly. However, at this stage, the user interface and the AI recommendations could improve their intuitiveness. As a general comment, the tool is perceived as a substantial contribution to facilitating and shortening development times, compared to only using the base game engine. There is an untapped market for mixed-initiative tools that assist the game designer in creating complete game levels. We expect to fill that market for our partner development studios and provide the community with an open research and development platform in a standard game engine.

Evaluating Alternative Metaheuristic Algorithms for Procedural Content Generation in Game Design

Procedural Content Generation (PCG) has emerged as a powerful approach for automating game content creation, offering significant benefits in terms of cost reduction and time efficiency compared to traditional game design and development processes (Zhang, Zhang, & Huang, 2022). While Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have been widely used in PCG, alternative metaheuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) have demonstrated their effectiveness in delivering high-quality solutions and efficient optimization capabilities across different problem domains (Amato, 2017). However, their application in PCG remains limited. I aim to evaluate the performance of PSO and ABC in map layout generation, challenging the conventional use of GAs. By comparing three metaheuristic algorithms (GA, ABC, and PSO) I seek to assess the effectiveness of these approaches in generating game levels and identify any obvious differences in their performance characteristics. Comprehensive experiments are conducted, applying GA, ABC, and PSO to a map layout generation. Metrics like convergence speed and content quality are used to evaluate the generated game content. My findings reveal that both ABC and PSO demonstrate advantages over traditional GA implementations when generating game levels, indicating their potential for enhancing PCG. In this presentation, I will share the results of comparing three metaheuristic algorithms (GA, PSO, and ABC) in map layout generation for game levels, emphasizing the potential benefits of leveraging diverse algorithmic approaches to create more captivating and immersive game worlds. Also, I will conclude with a call for further research in this area to expose new possibilities in content generation. By considering varied metaheuristic approaches, game developers can improve content generation techniques and create more captivating and interactive player experiences.