Video Game Development Research Articles

From attributes to communities: a novel approach in social network generation.

Generating networks with attributes would be useful in computer game development by enabling dynamic social interactions, adaptive storylines, realistic economic systems, ecosystem modelling, urban development, strategic planning, and adaptive learning systems. To this end, we propose the Attribute-based Realistic Community and Associate NEtwork (ARCANE) algorithm to generate node-attributed networks with functional communities. We have designed a numerical node attribute-edge relationship computation system to handle the edge generation phase of our network generator, which is a different method from our predecessors. We combine this system with the proximity between nodes to create more life-like communities. Our method is compared against other node-attributed social network generators in the area with using both different evaluation metrics and a real-world dataset. The model properties evaluation identified ARCANE as the leading generator, with another generator ranking in a tie for first place. As a more favorable outcome for our approach, the community detection evaluation indicated that ARCANE exhibited superior performance compared to other competing generators within this domain. This thorough evaluation of the resulting graphs show that the proposed method can be an alternate approach to social network generators with node attributes and communities.

The Practice and Exploration of the Concept of “Tech for Social Good & Collaborative Education”—Taking “Computer Game Development” as an Example

The Practice and Exploration of the Concept of “Tech for Social Good & Collaborative Education”—Taking “Computer Game Development” as an Example

Development and optimization of simulation models and methods for controlling virtual artillery units in game scenarios

In the realm of modern video game development, special attention is given to the simulation of artillery systems, which play a crucial role in various military-themed games. This research presents a mathematical model for simulating the actions of a virtual artillery system. The model is designed to manage the execution of combat tasks, including targeting destruction with a specified number of shells and incorporating the strategic movement between firing positions to minimize detection and attack by enemy forces in the game. The model presumes that all shots are effective and equates the number of firing positions to the number of shots, with a minimum of one shot per position. The model's dynamics do not allow for returning to previous positions, adding a layer of complexity and realism to the gameplay. Movement simulations between positions are designed along virtual roads of varying quality, enhancing the strategic elements of the game. A method for determining the optimal strategy for the artillery system's actions has been developed, introducing the concept of the current structure of combat task execution. This problem-solving approach falls within the realm of Pareto-oriented tasks or dynamic programming challenges. The computational method of the model is based on a general algorithm, underpinned by specialized additional algorithms. Results from this model demonstrate the feasibility of completing combat tasks effectively, with a maximum of two shots per firing position. The research differentiates between defensive and offensive tactics in gameplay, suggesting that while a strategy involving ten shots per target aligns with defensive gameplay, a strategy with four shots per target aligns with offensive actions. Consequently, the "shot-and-scoot" tactic in an offensive context can be aptly termed as “hid-and-shot”.

Intellectual analysis of large data stores

An intelligent system for processing big data. The paper classified and considered the further development of the PHI accelerator in modern processors for computing artificial intelligence in games. Based on the approach, an intelligent system was developed that increases efficiency and speed in game projects using artificial intelligence. The practical significance of the obtained results is that the obtained results can be used to improve the efficiency of using machine learning in the development of computer games.

Applying Scrum in A Game Development Life Cycle For Small Scale Game Project

This research aims to develop a GDLC game development life cycle that focuses on the core stages of software development process. This GDLC proposal consists of 4 stages, namely Pre-Production, Production, Testing, and Release. This proposed GDLC is expected to provide adaptive but consistent guidance for game project design. These conditions are suitable for small-scale game development teams, with small project scales, and short work periods (under 1 year).
 Pre-Production functions as the initial stage for creating the basis game design for the project linearly. Production, which is carried out using the Scrum approach, is the stage of video game development based on that previously made design. The Testing phase ensures the quality of the game through overall game testing. Lastly, the Release phase includes completing documentation for post-release planning.
 This GDLC was designed by summarizing the core stages of various existing GDLCs and SDLCs related to multimedia software development. Scrum is implemented per stage, with iteration loops starting and finishing within that stage. However, in general, this GDLC is linear. This GDLC is validated with a case study of an actual video game development to ensire its efficiency in helping game developers.

Playing with social relationships. Their role among actors in the video game industry

Abstract Purpose This paper focuses on social (informal, interpersonal) relationships and identifies their positive effects on business activity in – a rarely empirically analyzed – the video game industry. Methodology Given the lack of previous research on the positive business effects of social relationships in the chosen empirical context, qualitative and explorative research was conducted. To address the research goals, seventeen semi-structured in-depth interviews and one focus group interview with six video game developers were carried out. The interviews were analyzed using inductive coding procedure. Findings The key contributions are as follows: (1) specific industry characteristics determine the relevance of social relationships for business activity; (2) among the key actors maintaining such relationships are: consumers (i.e., gamers), business partners (investors, contractors, and co-operators), employees (past and current), and competitors; (3) industry-specific social relationships benefits are identified by comparing them with the general social relationships benefits indicated in the literature, detailing them in the chosen empirical context, and addressing the type of actors with which social links are exploited. Practical implications Game developers can realize with whom to maintain social relations within video game industry to generate particular business benefits, for example, better promotion and higher game sales, building a proper firm’s image. Originality The identification of actors of social relationships diverse in terms of establishing and intentional usage of social relationships, the recognition of the specific business-related benefits of maintaining social relationships by video game developers, and providing empirical evidence of the industry-wide determinants of the benefits of maintaining social relationships.

Exploring the Social Network Structure Differences Between Team and Individual Video Games in the Market from an Economic Perspective

The video game industry has undergone exponential growth and transformation, adding various economic models and social networking influences. This study aims to dissect these complexities by comparing the economics of team and single-player games, analyzing the role of social networks in shaping consumer purchase behavior and taking a closer look at different monetization strategies. Using a combination of literature reviews, case studies, and quantitative analysis, the study reveals the significant impact of social networks on consumer choice, with team-based games often enjoying higher long-term profitability due to their inherent social elements and micro-event-based models. Single-player games, on the other hand, offer unique value through narrative depth and personal experience. This research is of critical importance to stakeholders such as video game developers, digital marketers, economists, and policymakers working on or studying the digital economy. While the study provides important insights, it also acknowledges the limitations posed by the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. Future research should focus on emerging technologies such as virtual reality and blockchain to fully understand their impact on the video game economy.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT

In this paper, we study the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of video games, with a focus on various aspects of AI application in this industry. In the introduction, we discuss both the development of video games and the role of AI systems in the user experience, defining the progression of AI’s role in video games. In the following section, we investigate how in-game entities and AI collaborate. Here, we analyze basic concepts such as Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) and how AI enhances their intelligence and reactivity in the game. The mechanisms of AI in video games are a crucial point of consideration in the next part of the paper. We explain how various AI techniques are used for decision-making, player tracking, and adapting the game to their actions. Furthermore, we explore the use of AI in video games beyond NPC control, examining examples such as procedurally generated worlds and player experience modeling. This application of AI contributes to a deeper and more dynamic player experience. In the modern application of AI in video games, we delve into advanced uses of machine learning and deep neural networks in game development. Here, we consider how AI is used for game personalization, user data analysis, and enhancing graphics and sound. Finally, we discuss the future of video games and the role of neural networks in their development. We predict the growth of AI in various aspects of games and how it will shape the future player experience. In conclusion, we assert that artificial intelligence has become an indispensable part of video game development, and its impact will inevitably expand in the future, enabling increasingly rich, dynamic, and personalized games for players worldwide.

The Birth and Development of Sports Video Games From the 1950s to the Early 1980s

This article provides an overview of the origins and early development of sports video games. The first generation of sports video games were developed by scientists in laboratories for academic purposes. Together with the rise of microcomputers and the widespread adoption of television (TV) sets, commercial video games began to emerge in the early 1970s. Like their laboratory predecessors, most of the first-generation commercial games were sports-themed and primarily designed as a platform for competition between players. In the second half of the 1970s, ball-and-paddle-based games began to be replaced by more sophisticated games adopting the rules and actions of real-life sports. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, intense competition between video game companies gave birth to many innovative titles, with various sports disciplines adapted into games. Most of the sports games created in this period were based on competitive sports including American football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis, as well as recreational sports like bowling, pool, and darts, many of them long popular in Western Europe and North America, some with a huge fan base in Japan. They were clearly produced to cater to the needs of gamers and sports fans in the world’s three major TV, personal computer, video game, and sports markets at the time.

Development of Video Games With WebGL Format That Allows You to Play Video Games Without Need for a Device With High Specifications

The rapid development of the gaming industry has brought new challenges in terms of hardware limitations faced by some players. Nowadays, many video games require devices with high specifications to provide an optimal gaming experience. However, this left several players with devices that were unable to run these video games. This research focuses on experimenting with video games in WebGL format that can run well on devices with low specifications, thereby allowing wider access to a quality gaming experience. In this research, the author tested video game performance on various devices with different specifications in WebGL format. The test results show that this approach succeeded in achieving the author's goal, namely that the video game still can be played on devices with low specifications.

Computer game development algorithm

In the modern world, video games have become an integral part of culture and entertainment. In this regard, research in the field of video games has become very relevant for scientific researchers, psychologists, educators, as well as for many other areas. Video games are interactive programs designed for entertainment and gaming on computers, consoles, and mobile devices. They come in a variety of genres and formats, including puzzle games, action games, strategy games, sports games, and more. Video games can be either single or multiplayer, and may include elements of competition, collaboration, or exploration. All games include graphic and sound design, as well as a set of rules, tasks, and goals that the player must complete in order to be successful in the game. the purpose of this article is the development of a universal algorithm for the development of computer games.

FlexComb: A Facial Landmark-Based Model for Expression Combination Generation

Facial expressions are a crucial but challenging aspect of animating in-game characters. They provide vital nonverbal communication cues, but given the high complexity and variability of human faces, the task of capturing the natural diversity and affective complexity of human faces can be a labour-intensive process for animators. This motivates the need for more accurate, realistic and lightweight methods for generating emotional expressions for in-game characters. In this work, we introduce FlexComb, a Facial Landmark-based Expression Combination model, designed to generate a real-time space of realistic facial expression combinations. FlexComb leverages the highly varied CelebV-HQ dataset containing emotions in the wild, and a transformer-based architecture. The central component of the FlexComb system is an emotion recognition model that is trained on the facial dataset, and used to generate a larger dataset of tagged faces. The resulting system generates in-game facial expressions by sampling from this tagged dataset, including expressions that combine emotions in specified amounts. This allows in-game characters to take on variety of realistic facial expressions for a single emotion, which addresses this primary challenge of facial emotion modeling. FlexComb shows potential for expressive facial emotion simulation with applications that include animation, video game development, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction.

Hierarchical WaveFunction Collapse

Video game developers are increasingly utilising procedural content generation (PCG) techniques in order to generate more content far quicker than if it were designed. Although promising, much of the successful work to date has been achieved in simple 2D environments or has required significant hand-designed effort. This is due to the difficult nature of defining plausible metrics, fitness functions or reward functions which can quantify the quality of generated levels. Our work aims to avoid this difficulty by utilising minimal human design to build up constraints, and generating diverse levels that maintain these constraints. We achieve this by hierarchically applying the recent WaveFunction collapse (WFC) algorithm. Our approach allows designers to specify larger-scale components, and additional constraints that are difficult to enforce using standard WFC. We empirically demonstrate that our approach does indeed incorporate these higher-level structures, and is more controllable than our baselines. Despite these benefits, our levels do not suffer from a lack of diversity. Finally, we illustrate the scalability and flexibility of our approach by applying it to both 2D and 3D domains.

Crowdfunding in the production of video games in Spain: Evolution and success on Kickstarter

This research addresses the use of crowdfunding platforms for the development of video games in Spain. It is part of the group of platform-centred research in order to develop a quantitative analysis of the data contained in them. Specifically, the data provided by Kickstarter for Spanish video game development projects is analysed. Normality tests indicated that the variables do not follow a normal distribution, hence non-parametric tests were used. The success rate of Spanish campaigns is 28.4% for the total number of cases, 40.8% in 2020, which is a steady growth since 2015. The average funding is €16,586.76, €50,056.67 for successful campaigns; however, the median indicates that 50% of the sample does not exceed €1,653 in funding. Regression models are used to develop equations to calculate the amount of funding needed to publish on PC and console, and the number of backers needed to achieve a given amount of funding.

Roundtable with Wilbert Roget, M.J. Gallagher, and Pat Holleman

In this roundtable conversation, we discuss the soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake with composer Wilbert Roget, prose writer M.J. Gallagher, and video game developer Pat Holleman. Each member brings their own unique experience to this conversation, as they have all been influenced greatly by both the game and soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII: Wilbert Roget notes Nobuo Uematsu as a great influence on his work, M.J. Gallagher has written the unofficial novelizations of FF7, and Pat Holleman has analysed the development and design of FF7 in his book Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII. In this conversation, we examine narrative meaning within the soundtrack, compositional techniques within the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, and RPGs more broadly, music’s relation to lore within FFVII, as well as musical diegesis within the game world.

RESEARCH ON CALCULATION OPTIMIZATION METHODS USED IN COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT

In the field of computer game development, there are numerous optimization methods that help to significantly reduce the number of calculations that the game system performs while playing the game. In its turn, this allows to display increasingly realistic graphics. The paper presents the performed analysis of general optimization methods used in the game engine Unreal Engine, such as Distance Culling, Occlusion Culling, Frustum Culling, LODs, Level Streaming, and the Nanite System. The main factors such as resource intensity, visual quality, number of objects, and scale have been determined. The research results demonstrate that properly applied optimization methods can improve game performance and reduce the computational load on the system, which is crucial both functionally and aesthetically.

UKRAINIAN DIGITAL ART DURING THE FULL-SCALE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

The purpose of the article is to find out how the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war and today's technological innovations affected the artistic community, the themes and the creative methods of Ukrainian digital art. The authors of the investigation, on the one hand, consider the digital works of Nikita Titov, Albina Yaloza, Kateryna Lisova, Mykhailo Rai, Oksana Chepelyk, Yulia Shibirkina, Zibra AI, ZViT, Beata Kurkul and Maria Sharlai, and others, and on the other hand, they highlight the biggest events related to the demonstration of digital art, in particular, “Artists support Ukraine”, “Meta History: Museum of War”, “Peace Letters to Ukraine”, “Art on the battlefront”, “UBIENNALE”, “Ukrainian wartime poster”, and others. The analysis of the collected material revealed that the vast majority of war posters are works of digital art, which in general has become one of the leading media in the work of Ukrainian artists. On the one hand, this was the result of a number of steps taken by the Ukrainian authorities aimed at liberalizing the cryptocurrency market, and encouraging computer game developers to fundraise with the help of NFT in support of Ukraine, on the other hand, the threat of Russian air attacks prompted representatives of the creative class to transfer a significant part of their activity to online, and see the benefits of digital art, which, compared to most traditional media, requires significantly less effort and resources to create, securely store, sell and display. The use of neural networks as a tool to create digital art has become one of the trends in war-themed art, but no catastrophic changes for visual art and design have been detected yet. A significant historical event after February 24, 2022 was the unprecedented support of Ukraine from the world cultural community, in particular, international developers of computer games, as well as famous artists of contemporary art, including Marina Abramovych, Ron Arad, Banksy, Francesco Vezzoli, Nan Goldin, Douglas Gordon, Ivan Messak, Lorenzo Quinn, Luke Tuymans, and others.

Prospective Passion and Social Capital within DotA 2 Players

The Dualistic Model of Passion (obsessive and harmonious passion) can explain motivations for videogame play along with associated outcomes, such as the development of social capital; however, existing research exploring passion and social capital in videogaming has been cross-sectional. In the current study we surveyed players of DotA 2 at three time points, over six months (T1 n=462, T2 n=182, T3 n=115), to explore the stability of passion for DotA 2 over time and how such passion may lead to the development or erosion of social capital. Our key findings include that passion for playing DotA 2 is relatively stable over time and that harmonious passion predicts future bridging social capital, while obsessive passion predicts future bonding social capital. Importantly, our findings suggest the absence of a "slippery slope" scenario in which players who have a healthy pattern of engagement development obsessive passion or problematic play. Equally, however, our findings also suggest that those who are obsessive are unlikely to naturally trend towards a more harmonious style of engagement over time. We consider the implications of our findings for health practitioners, players and videogame developers and identify the differences between our longitudinal findings and the existing cross-sectional research.

Technical peculiarities of the narrative action games of the 1990s – 2010s as a factor of their development in the context of digital art

The purpose of the article is to reveal and analyze the technical peculiarities of the narrative action games of the 1990s – 2010s as a factor of their development in the context of digital art.
 The methodology of the research is accordingly conditioned by the interdisciplinary and techno-cultural nature of the subject of study that has an influence on the choice of toolkit among the components of which are: firstly, reductionist theory and the principle of technological determinism, which help to reveal the role of computer technology in improving game mechanics and shaping the an artistic-expressive means inherent in action games; secondly, narrative analysis that helps to understand the connection of the aesthetic effect with the unique narrative form of video games, which makes it possible to synergize the interactive and artistic-staging parts; and, thirdly, philosophical approach in its connection with the art historical analysis, thanks to the cooperation of which it becomes possible to apply game and phenomenological principles as elements of the above analysis to reveal the specifics of the artistic-virtual space of action games, which is close to interactive fiction and animated films in its aesthetic characteristics.
 The results. It was pointed out that in the 1990s – 2010s narrative video games thanks to technical progress made a “breakthrough” in the development of an artistic-expressive system. On the examples of “Wolfenstein 3D”, “Quake”, “Half-life”, “Half-Life 2”, “Doom 3”, “Fahrenheit”, “Crysis” and “Heavy Rain” it was proved that the development of action video games in the pointed period was supposed to solve the problem of conventionality (“animation”) of the image through technological innovations that reduced unrealism and increased its expressiveness. The key role in this played such an aesthetic constant as Narrative Space. It was found out that the technological evolution of action games as a genre of digital art was accompanied by the emergence of non-linear artistic and ontological patterns and the acceleration of the dynamics of the development of the game space.
 The scientific novelty. For the first time in the article an attempt was made to analyze the technical peculiarities of the action games of the 1990s – 2010s as a factor in their development in the context of digital art and interactive non-linear narrative.
 The practical significance. The obtained results can be applied in the modernization of programs for the professional training of multimedia directors, sound directors, animators, and other specialties in higher education institutions. The materials of the work are of the practical value for researchers in the field of theory and history of art, modern screen culture and audio-visual synthesis, and can be used in the development of educational and methodological manuals and lecture courses devoted to computer games and interactive programs.

The covid-19 effects on the video game industry -a comparative ratio analysis on activision-blizzard, electronic arts and konami

The video game industry has evolved from having just a children-focused target market to a more sophisticated one with a widespread and mainstream audience with no age limitations. After the COVID-19 outbreak, it is mainly stated as one of the industries that faced little to no issues, so the main aim behind this research is to investigate how the giants of this industry confronted the financial challenges of pandemic. We conducted a comparative profitability, liquidity, asset and debt utilization ratio analysis relying on the annual reports of 2021 and 2020 (2020 and 2019 for Activision-Blizzard), published by three of the biggest video game development companies. The time frame was chosen to reflect the position of the companies before and after the first year of the pandemic. The results vary due to the companies’ business models. Based on these results, we tried to identify any possible changes and variations, assessing the financial performance and position of the companies. In the case of Activision-Blizzard, we mostly came up with increases in all of their major ratios, which derives from a successful business model they follow. In Electronic Arts’ case, we noticed an increase in revenue expenditure that led to a decrease in its profitability ratios. We also found out that the company has slight reduction in liquidity and asset utilization, but the results still indicate a good performance and do not reflect any serious predicament. While Konami, we saw a significant growth in their profitability and liquidity ratios, but on the other side there is a decrease in their total asset turnover and increase in the debt ratio. In overall, we can state that the companies managed to cope with pandemic and financial challenges during the first year and even to expand their presence in the video game industry, but not without having to face some difficulties.