Game Structure Research Articles

Developing A Pictionary Game-Based Assessment on Vocabulary Mastery for Junior High School Students

This study focuses on developing a Pictionary game-based assessment tool to enhance vocabulary mastery for junior high school students. The research employs the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) to create an interactive and effective assessment method that integrates visual elements to evaluate students' vocabulary knowledge. The Pictionary game, involving drawing and guessing words, is used as an engaging strategy to measure students’ vocabulary retention and understanding in real-world contexts. Findings indicate that although the game offers an enjoyable learning experience, improvements are needed to increase the validity and reliability of the assessment tool. Quantitative data, collected through students' performance on multiple-choice questions, showed that only 10 out of 25 questions met the validity criteria. Additionally, qualitative data, including feedback from teachers and students, revealed that the game's structure significantly impacted students' vocabulary retention and engagement. The study concludes that Pictionary-based assessments can be an effective tool for vocabulary acquisition, but further refinement is required to ensure consistent results and align the questions with students’ abilities.

Estimating the Relevance of First Offensive Shot Tactics in Table Tennis via Simulation Based on a Finite Markov Chain Model

Abstract Finite Markov chain modelling is a commonly used type of stochastic modelling employed in performance analysis of net games. Finite Markov chains are based on a state transition model which can be used to depict the game structure of net games as a succession of states which are defined as equivalence classes for game situations, e.g. service and return. Furthermore, the theory of finite Markov chains allows for the calculation of model variables which are of significant interest not only for validation but also for performance analysis, like wining probabilities or expected rally lengths starting from different states. By simulation, of a more-or-less of tactical behaviors one may study the impact of these tactics on overall success. A novel state transition model for table tennis is introduced in this study as extension of an existing model in the literature containing only the first offensive shot. The new model additionally contains subsequent shots since they may be perceived as being influenced by the first offensive shot. A sample of 105 single matches (49 female, 56 male) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was examined. The validation of the Markov property resulted in satisfactory results. The relevance of 26 transitions denoting specific tactical behaviors was obtained using simulation and subsequently compared between sexes. Results provide insights concerning the game structure of table tennis with a particular emphasis on the transition from the initial phase of rallies to the first offensive shot.

Video Game Structural Features Are Related to Internet Gaming Disorder and Motivations of Play: Design and Validation of the Video Game Structure Scale (VGSS)

Video Game Structural Features Are Related to Internet Gaming Disorder and Motivations of Play: Design and Validation of the Video Game Structure Scale (VGSS)

Aligning Gamified Learning Experiences to Learning Outcomes

Gamified learning experiences use game mechanics and structures in curriculum and learning activities to engage students with content and scaffold toward intended learning outcomes. Using the domains of Bloom's taxonomy of learning in the cognitive domain to explore the possible relationship between games and learning for application to university learning, links can be made between thinking skills and game types. This paper describes the development of the Gamification Alignment Table and the Gamification Alignment Model, how these were used to design a gamified learning experience (GLE) for the intended student learning outcomes at the first-year undergraduate level, and how they could be used at master's level with different available in-game choices. The Gamification Alignment Table allows learning designers to identify how the pedagogical lexicon matches to existing features of games and therefore can be easily transformed into GLEs. In the Gamification Alignment Model, the six levels of knowledge in the cognitive domain, with pedagogical verbs used by educators and learning designers in planning and designing GLEs, are paired with game types involving different sorts of learning activities. The concept explored in the example GLE in this paper was the accounting and finance threshold concept of the time value of money. This research provides a further link between Bloom's levels and the Australian Qualifications Framework levels, and the comparable European Qualifications Framework levels. This novel mapping provides rationale for the linking of game design and learning outcomes and will be of interest to educational designers, as well as academics, with a learning focus. Received: 13 May 2024 | Revised: 19 November 2024 | Accepted: 16 December 2024 Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work. Data Availability Statement The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in UniSC Research Bank at https://doi.org/10.25907/00887. Author Contribution Statement Kayleen Wood: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Validation, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Project administration. Steve Drew: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing - review & editing, Supervision.

Subjective Game Structures: A Behavioral Game Theoretic Analysis of Hidden Perceptions and Strategic Properties Underlying the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict

Here, we apply a novel framework, termed Subjective Game Structures (SGSs), for uncovering and analyzing hidden motivations in ecological conflicts. SGSs enable the examination of implicit attitudes and motivations within individuals and groups. We elicited SGSs from Israeli and Palestinian participants between March 2019 and February 2020 (approximately three years before 7 October 2023), trying to answer the questions of whether Israelis and Palestinians perceived the conflict in a similar manner, whether they have identical assessments of the associated payoffs, and what can be done to reduce future hostilities and attain peaceful solutions. The results reveal meaningful differences between the parties. Israeli SGSs largely reflected expectations of mutually cooperative outcomes, while Palestinian SGSs exhibited ambivalence and a higher occurrence of confrontational expectations from both parties. Approximately 70% of Israeli SGSs and 40% of Palestinian SGSs were categorized as absolutely stable games, indicating that a meaningful portion of participants implicitly anticipated cooperative and mutually beneficial resolutions. Additionally, Palestinian participants’ perceptions of strategic similarity with Israelis were considerably lower than the perceptions of Israeli participants, pointing to meaningful gaps in the alternatives each side was expecting the other side to choose. The discussion highlights the importance of enhancing subjective perceptions of similarity and shaping parties’ perceived payoff structures as two key pathways to fostering peaceful interactions in diverse social and political conflicts.

Exploring Esports game addiction among college students in multiplayer online battle arena: a quantitative model centered on self-control and motivation

PurposeWith the widespread popularity of Esports, Esports game addiction has attracted wide attention. This research explores the causes of Esports game addiction among college students in Mainland China and the influence of specific participation motivation and self-control on college students’ Esports game addiction.Design/methodology/approachThis research applied the organismic integration theory (OIT) instead of the basic psychological needs theory using Honor of Kings, the most popular Esports game in the form of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) among Chinese college students. A total of 339 completed questionnaires were finally analyzed. SmartPLS 2.0 M3 was used to perform the PLS-SEM analysis on the relationship between self-control, participation motivation and Esports game addiction.FindingsOnly introjected regulation and a motivation positively impacted Esports game addiction, while intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation and external regulation had surprisingly no effect on Esports game addiction.Originality/valueScant studies have explored Esports game addiction in MOBA games, especially in Asia. Results showed that parents, schools and society should consciously strengthen the education and exercise of students’ self-control ability to prevent Esports game addiction. Game developers should appropriately adjust game structures and functions to prevent college students from using them as social tools or games to escape reality.

Update on the evolution of World Cup soccer: men and women

ABSTRACT A retrospective correlational study was used to determine evolutionary game trends of men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup finals. Broadcast footage of finals games 2014–2022 for men (n = 3) and 1991–2023 for women (n = 9) was used to assess trends in game structure and playing styles. These recent men’s data were combined with our previous evolution study results and reanalysed (1966–2022; total 15 finals games). Computer-based ball tracking using TrakPerformance software (https://trak-performance.software.informer.com/) and notational analyses were used to quantify play and stop periods, ball speed and passing rates. Linear regression was used to track changes in these variables across time. Total stoppage time, ball speed and passing rates increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both men and women. Ball speed increased faster for women than men as speeds converge. Women’s play percentage decreased significantly across time from an average of 65% to 55% of total game time to match current men’s finals games. Median duration of stoppages have increased for men and women. Longer stoppage time facilitates greater physiological recovery. While cause and effect cannot be established, the additional stoppage time is paralleled by elevated intensity of play such as faster ball speed and higher passing rates.

A Comparative Study on the Sea-heroes Narrative Structure between Game 'Dave the Diver' and 'Tale of Geotaji'

The purpose of this study is to examine the cultural originality of folktales and the media specificity of game narratives by comparing and analyzing the narrative structures of digital games and Korean folktales. To this end, this study focused on the fact that both the game &lt;Dave the Diver&gt; and &lt;Tale of Geotaji&gt; feature sea-heroes narratives that follow the structure of a hero’s journey based in the sea. First, this study analyzes the universality inherent in games and folktales through the structure of return between the sea and land and the occupational characteristics of the main character. In Korean storytelling culture, the sea is assumed to be a space interrelated with the land, and sea heroes also perform by utilizing acquired skills. And this study analyzes how archetypal folktales are transformed to fit the game medium. The sea-heroes narrative appears as a structure of juxtaposition in which quest games are repeatedly performed through the participation of players and quest narratives are continuously accumulated. In addition, the main character establishes a dual identity by coexisting with his everyday appearance on land and extraordinary appearance under the sea.

An incentive theory of green supply chain finance

Confronted with the impediment of capital constraints on carbon reduction, the combination of environmental performance and finance has become a new trend. In this paper, the incentive theory of green supply chain finance (GSCF) is systematically analyzed using the idea of ‘loan product-game structure-multi-policy combination’. Firstly, the linkage between interest rates and carbon reduction is modelled to propose a GSCF incentive product. Secondly, GSCF is incorporated into Stackelberg game models with different power structures to study GSCF's value and the impact of game structure changes on its advantages. Finally, the stability of GSCF is verified by examining its interaction with other incentives. The results indicate that GSCF can encourage enterprises to reduce emissions. However, the incentive effect is affected by the game structure. GSCF's incentiveeffect is guaranteed when financial institutions participate in games, while its effectiveness depends on the exogenous interest rate setting when without game participation. Besides, compared with retailer leadership, financial institution leadership can take full advantage of GSCF and transfer the incentive effect more effectively. Furthermore, GSCF can positively interact with low-carbon marketing and cap-and-trade policy, verifying the stability of GSCF. Our analyses provide references for managers seeking financial incentives for carbon reduction.

Model Checking Strategic Abilities in Information-sharing Systems

We introduce a subclass of concurrent game structures (CGS) with imperfect information in which agents are endowed with private data-sharing capabilities. Importantly, our CGSs are such that it is still decidable to model-check these CGSs against a relevant fragment of ATL. These systems can be thought as a generalisation of architectures allowing information forks, that is, cases where strategic abilities lead to certain agents outside a coalition privately sharing information with selected agents inside that coalition. Moreover, in our case, in the initial states of the system, we allow information forks from agents outside a given set \(A\) to agents inside this group \(A\) . For this reason, together with the fact that the communication in our models underpins a specialised form of broadcast, we call our formalism \(A\) -cast systems . To underline, the fragment of ATL for which we show the model-checking problem to be decidable over \(A\) -cast is a large and significant one; it expresses coalitions over agents in any subset of the set \(A\) . Indeed, as we show, our systems and this ATL fragments can encode security problems that are notoriously hard to express faithfully: terrorist-fraud attacks in identity schemes.

The Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Psychophysiological Responses and Kinematic Profiles in Intermittent and Continuous Small-Sided Games in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, and Crossover Trial.

Mouth rinsing (MR) with a carbohydrate solution is one of the most popular methods athletes use to improve their game-based performance due to its acute ergogenic effect. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the carbohydrate MR intervention on psychophysiological responses and kinematic profiles during intermittent (INT) and continuous (CON) 4-a-side small-sided soccer games (SSGs). Thirty-two adolescent soccer players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years) played six bouts of 4-a-side SSGs with MRINT or MRCON at 3-day intervals in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and crossover study design. Psychophysiological responses and kinematic profiles were continuously recorded during all games. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the rating scale of mental effort (RSME), and the physical enjoyment scores (PES) were also determined at the end of each game. The MRCON induced higher psychophysiological responses such as RPE, internal training load (ITL), and RSME (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.50 to 1.04 [small to moderate effect]). Conversely, the MRINT induced higher PES (p ≤ 0.05, d values = 1.44 [large effect]) compared to MRCON. Although the MR intervention led to similar improvements in the performance of 4-a-side MRINT and MRCON, there was no significant difference between the groups. Our results suggest that the MR intervention can be used as an effective ergogenic supplement for acute game performance enhancement, regardless of the game's structure.

Carbon emission reducing and financing strategies of capital-constrained supply chains using equity financing under different power structures

AbstractThis study considers a low-carbon supply chain model comprised of a capital-constrained manufacturer and a retailer under a cap-and-trade system. These two parties can choose from two financing modes: bank financing or mixed financing, in which the latter combines bank financing with equity financing. Two decision-making power structures are formulated, namely the Nash game model and the retailer-led Stackelberg game model. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of equilibrium outcomes for both parties within these power structures is performed, yielding the following insights: (1) In the bank financing mode, retailers find greater profitability in adopting dominance. When emission reduction efficiency is high, manufacturers obtain more profit within a Nash game context. However, when emission reduction efficiency is low, manufacturers accrue more profit in a Stackelberg game context. In the mixed financing mode without cap-and-trade regulations, supply chain participants do not express a preference for any specific game structure. (2) Without cap-and-trade regulation, in both the Nash and Stackelberg game models, the supply chain participants find more profitability in mixed financing when carbon emission reduction efficiency is high. Meanwhile, bank financing proves more profitable when the carbon emission reduction is low. Moreover, this study investigates the impact of wholesale and retail prices of low-carbon products on the financing strategies of the supply chain participants under different power structures and financing modes. Additionally, extended models are considered, including the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game structure and the capital-constrained manufacturer with a certain amount of initial capital.

Avoidance of altruistic punishment: Testing with a situation-selective third-party punishment game

Avoidance of altruistic punishment: Testing with a situation-selective third-party punishment game

Ethical mediarhetoric in videogame cybertexts: procedural explication of moral topics in an educational context

Introduction. Education in the field of ethics and practical philosophy is important both within the framework of educational and disciplinary discourse and in terms of personal and social formation of a person, his/her value-behavioral system of coordinates. Video game cybertexts containing moral themes in their narrative and procedural structure can increase interest in the study of theoretical issues of ethics and create a special virtual-simulative space of moral experimentation. Materials and Methods. The theoretical part of the paper is based on the conceptual framework of understanding video games as a procedural cybertext formulated by E. Aarseth and I. Bogost. The operation of the multimodal-semiotic structure of video games is based on the ideas of J. Havreljak and W. Toch. The experimental cluster of work is realized on the principles of Digital Game-Based Learning developed by M. Prensky and a set of pedagogical practices on the use of ICT-based learning. Results. Based on the interpretation of the features of multimodal semiotics of ethically engaged video games, two modes of their distinction are revealed – narrative and gameplay. Narrative represents moral themes through narrative storytelling, and gameplay through gameplay. It has two forms of manifestation and certainty - external-iconic (based on visual reading and ethically binary interpretation of videogame cybertext) and procedural, where at the level of program architectonics the possibilities of choice and realization of simulations of ethical activities are created. The experiment allowed a radical change for the better (from 20% to 73%) in most students' expectations about the educational possibilities of video games in this disciplinary area. The DGBL methodology helped the learners (80%) to experience (80%) the practical dimension of important ethical issues and to conduct a series of moral experiments within the virtual simulations. Most of the students (75%) were able to correctly relate theoretical knowledge from philosophy and ethics to specific video game situations and successfully interpreted them. Conclusion. Given the time-consuming nature of these cybertexts, it is recommended that they be used only as supplementary media to the main course texts. It seems most appropriate to study them as part of an elective to a basic course in ethics or philosophy. This material could also be the basis for the creation of an educational laboratory on practical ethics in a social and humanitarian quantorium.

Formation of students’ subject skills in mathematics in the process of digital didactic game

The work is devoted to the study of the problem of gamification of mathematics teaching in primary school using methods of studying pedagogical experience, comparing and generalizing the results of observations, analyzing scientific articles and the content and structure of didactic games in mathematics. The urgency of the problem is due to the digital transformation of education currently taking place. Digitalization of education in the context of teaching mathematics in primary school entails the need to develop new learning tools. Such teaching tools should contribute to the development of students’ mathematical skills, while meeting the needs of students of the digital generation for the form of information presentation. Digital didactic games can be used as an effective means of teaching mathematics at school. The potential of such games in the formation of students’ mathematical and logical skills, cognitive motivation is indicated. In the mathematical content of the game, it is proposed to provide for a change of types of educational activities. This will expand the range of skills formed through digital play, make it more dynamic and interesting for students, which will contribute to their involuntary learning. To develop the skills to perform various graphical constructions using the tools of modern graphical calculators, it is proposed to include tasks at certain stages of the game, for which digital tools can be used (online calculators, electronic programs, mobile applications, etc.). The conclusion is made about the expediency of using digital didactic games in the process of teaching mathematics to schoolchildren.

Didactic and Psychological Principles of Successful Design of Serious Games

In this paper, a systematic, evidence-based overview of didactic and psychological design principles is provided, which have a significant impact on the learning success of Serious Games. Design criteria are described that relate to the structure of games, the principle of learning through play, interaction regarding usability and playability, as well as motivation with the necessary game incentives. Furthermore, perspectives on the future development of Serious Games are outlined, focusing particularly on the implementation of concepts of adaptive e-learning and AI-supported learning.

From Boring Tests to Engaging Adventures: A Game-Based Learning Approach in LMS

The paper explores a game-based approach to language placement tests within Learning Management Systems (LMS), addressing issues of incorrect course placement and student disengagement. By gamifying assessments, the initiative aims to create a motivational and playful environment that accurately estimates students' language skills. The game design is guided by player type models and motivational frameworks, ensuring an engaging experience that caters to diverse player motivations. The game, "Journey to Mars," is set in a science fiction environment and uses multimedia elements and interactive modules to integrate educational content seamlessly. Methods for game analysis were adopted to create a gamified placement test in three steps. First, we adopted the basic game structure from the goals of the placement test. Second, we created plot points and settings and derived certain style and interface elements to create a coherent gaming environment. Third, we enriched the gaming experience with additional elements like badges and secret elements. The development process involved utilizing the ILIAS LMS tools, generative AI for content creation, and implementing progressive difficulty and feedback systems to enhance the educational value. Initial feedback indicates positive engagement and motivation among students.

A complete classification of evolutionary games with environmental feedback.

A tragedy of the commons, in which rational behavior of individuals to maximize their own payoffs depletes common resources, is one of the most important research topics in game theory. To better understand the social dilemma problem, recent studies have developed a theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game where individual behavior affects an environmental (renewable) resource and the environmental resource changes individual payoffs. While previous studies assumed that the frequency of defectors increases (prisoner's dilemma [PD] game) when the environmental resource is abundant to investigate an oscillating tragedy of the commons, it is also possible for other types of game to produce the social dilemma. In this paper, we extend the feedback-evolving game by considering not only PD game, but also the other three game structures when the environmental resource is replete for a reasonably complete classification. The three games are Chicken game where defectors and cooperators coexist through minority advantage, Stag-Hunt (SH) game with minority disadvantage, and Trivial game where the frequency of cooperators increases. In addition, we utilize a dilemma phase plane to visually track (transient) dynamics of game structure changes. We found that an emergent initial condition dependence (i.e. bistability) is pervasive in the feedback-evolving game when the three games are involved. We also showed that persistent oscillation dynamics arise even with Chicken or SH games in replete environments. Our generalized analysis will be an important step to further extend the theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game to various game situations with environmental feedback.

Mastering the Game: How Level Structure and Game Elements Shape Competency Acquisition

Understanding the dynamics of level structure and game elements in digital educational games is paramount to fostering competency acquisition. How levels are organized within a game, along with the use of various game elements, has a significant impact on the learning outcomes and skill development of individuals. Through the strategic design and implementation of these components, educational games can effectively engage learners and facilitate the acquisition of competencies in multiple domains. In addition to structure, the integration of gamification elements can have a profound impact on learner engagement and sustainable skill acquisition. Therefore, a key element for the success of a serious game is to create appropriate personalization and a balanced relationship between learning and gaming experience. As a result, a mini-game called "Basketball Physics Challenge" has been designed to be integrated into an intelligent, adaptive physical learning game centered around force and motion as part of an ongoing research project. By playing the game "Basketball Physics Challenge", players will apply their understanding of basic physics principles in a realistic, interactive, and virtual setting. An experimental design was used to test the mini-game, in which a gamified and a non-gamified version were used and compared. 20 participants completed the experiment, and their learning progress was meticulously tracked. Using competency-based knowledge space theory, the mini-game facilitated in-game competency assessment, enabled monitoring of learning progress, tailored learning experiences, and provided individualized formative feedback. The pilot was used to develop and implement a competency model that will be the subject of future in-depth studies. The results indicated that the gamified version of the game led to slightly higher engagement and performance levels compared to the non-gamified version, although the difference in learning outcomes between the two versions was not statistically significant. The analysis also showed that an optimal number of levels and a balanced integration of game elements are crucial for maintaining engagement without causing cognitive overload. Furthermore, the order in which the game versions were presented affected player performance, with initial exposure to gamification leading to better outcomes. These findings provide valuable information for the design of educational games and their effectiveness in skill acquisition. This research supports the development of powerful educational technologies that enhance learning through a coherent level structure and meaningful use of game elements that effectively promote learner engagement.

A Distributed Game Theoretic Approach for Optimal Battery Use in an Energy Community

With the recent rise of decentralized energy resources like solar panels and batteries, energy communities have grown in popularity. Without collaborative load management, some of the locally produced electricity in the energy community could be unused and sold back to the grid, hindering its economic and environmental benefits. In this paper, we introduce a game to model an energy community with a shared energy source and to determine how to distribute the generated electricity. The goal is to compute a Nash equilibrium so that no participant has an incentive to leave the community. To do so with minimal information sharing between members, a distributed approach is considered. The game structure should incentivize self-consumption in the energy community. We then integrate the game in a receding horizon control framework. This approach is tested on real photovoltaic data and reduces costs for the energy community. Its robustness to imperfect solar forecasting is also evaluated, showing that uncertainty induces minimal increases in cost.