This paper investigates if the social aspects of playing with friends and participate in clans can increase long-term retention for mobile games. Specifically for the game Edge of Combat developed by the company Level Eight. To gain knowledge about how the players and industry perceive these features, a background study was conducted. The study reveals that playing with friends increases long-term retention in mobile games. It also indicates that participating in clans increases long-term retention but the evidence is not that strong. The next phase of the project indicates that playing with friends also increases long-term retention in Edge of Combat. Finally, participating in clans were investigated more thoroughly. The industry is very positive towards clans but that does not seem to reflect the player’s opinions about clans. Because of this the research question ”Can clan participation increase long-term retention in mobile games?” can not be confirmed. That clan participation could increase long-term retention in Edge of Combat could not be confirmed either. However, to be certain of this more research is needed on clans in mobile games taking into account the demographics of the participants in the project.

Há milhares de anos, as imagens visuais impactam significantemente o cotidiano do ser humano, caracterizando-se como um ótimo meio de comunicação e expressão. Com os avanços tecnológicos, evidenciam-se transformações significativas da linguagem visual, que se moldam aos novos contextos no qual se encontra. Os videogames, artefatos digitais amplamente difundidos na sociedade que permitem a imersão do usuário em ambientes lúdicos dotados de interatividade, são alvo de projetos estéticos cada vez mais sofisticados. Uma vez que utilizam linguagem predominantemente visual, tem-se como premissa que a imagem desempenha papel fundamental para que estes cumpram sua função adequadamente. Entretanto, as imagens em videogames nem sempre obedecem a um padrão de qualidade, carecendo de estudos e métodos que amparem seu desenvolvimento e compreensão. Com isso, o presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver um método para análise da imagem visual em videogames, considerando a ampla gama de funções que a mesma exerce em artefatos dessa natureza. Para isso, a fim de permitir o desenvolvimento do método e garantir sua replicabilidade, foram definidos determinados procedimentos metodológicos, que envolvem: a realização e avaliação de um primeiro modelo do método; desenvolvimento de um segundo modelo; coleta e análise de dados envolvendo sujeitos de pesquisa especialistas na área; e o desenvolvimento de um modelo final. Como resultados, pode-se perceber que a análise de imagens visuais em videogames pode ser realizada a partir de um método sistemático, todavia, foram apontadas inúmeras ressalvas e considerações a respeito de como o método pode tornar-se mais eficiente. / For thousands of years, the visual images significantly affect the daily life of the human being, characterized as a great means of communication and expression. With technological advances, are evident the significant changes in visual language, which are molded to the new contexts in which it is. Video games, digital artifacts widespread in society that allow the user's immersion in playful environments with interactivity. They are subject to increasingly sophisticated aesthetic designs. Once they predominantly use visual language, there is a premise that the image plays a key role for them to fulfill their function properly. However, images in video games does not always follow a standard of quality, lacking studies and methods that help its development and understanding. Thus, this study aims to develop a method for the analysis of visual image in video games, considering the wide range of functions that it carries on such artifacts. For this, in order to allow the development of the method and ensuring their replication, were defined certain methodological procedures that involve: implementation and evaluation of a first model of the method; development of a second model; collection and analysis of data involving research subjects experts in the field; and the development of the final model. As a result, it can be perceived that the analysis of visual images in videogames can be performed from a systematic method, however, were identified numerous considerations about how the method can become more efficient.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo documentar o processo de redução de riscos e incertezas de um jogo eletrônico em desenvolvimento por meio da aplicação de métodos de avaliação de Usabilidade. Foi realizado um estudo de caso da utilização de métodos e técnicas de avaliação de Usabilidade durante a produção do jogo eletrônico Dungeonland, conduzido entre 2010 a 2013 ao longo de diversas iterações do produto, da pré-produção ao lançamento. Foram utilizados os métodos de observação direta baseada em problemas, avaliação cooperativa, questionário e entrevista semi-estruturada. Os dados coletados demonstram a evolução do design do jogo, as diferentes metodologias empregadas em cada estágio de desenvolvimento, e o impacto da avaliação no projeto. Apesar de problemas e limitações no emprego dos testes de Usabilidade no produto em questão, o impacto da avaliação foi visto como muito grande e muito positivo pelos desenvolvedores - através de dados qualitativos como protocolos verbais e de gameplay de usuários, e de dados quantitativos sobre suas experiências com o produto que possam ser comparados estatisticamente, os desenvolvedores de jogos têm à sua disposição poderosas ferramentas para estabelecer processos de Design claros, centrados no usuário, e que ofereçam um ambiente onde problemas são rapidamente identificados e soluções são validadas com usuários reais. / The goal of this research is to document the mitigation process of risks and uncertainty in a video game in development through the application of Usability evaluation methods. A case study on the application of techniques and methods of Usability evaluation in the production of the video game Dungeonland was conducted between 2010 and 2013 and included several product iterations, from pre-production to release. Problem-based direct observation, cooperative evaluation, questionnaire and semi-structured interview were the research methods employed. The data acquired demonstrates the evolution of the game design, the different methods applied in each development phase, and the impact of evaluation in the project. Regardless of problems and limitation in the use of Usability tests in the product at hand, the impact of evaluation was viewed as significant and very positive by the developers through qualitative user data such as verbal and gameplay protocols, and quantitative data on user experience that can be statistically compared, game developers have powerful tools at their disposal to establish Design processes that are clear, user-centered, and that create an environment where problems are quickly identified and solutions are validated with real users.

I mitt arbete har jag genom användandet av diffraktion analyserat spelkaraktärer för att se hurkaraktärerna använder estetik och visuella utryck för att beskriva karaktärsdrag och bakgrundsamt hur de kan användas i nya berättelser. Genom användandet av the good eye metoden harjag analyserat ett flertal spelkaraktärer genom att dela upp deras estetik i innehåll, färg,rumsligt innehåll, ljus och uttryck och sedan försökt applicera dessa på redan skrivnakaraktärer för ett digitalt spel och anpassa dem till spelvärldens visuella estetik. / In this thesis I have analysed game characters through the use of diffraction to see how thecharacters use aesthetics and visual expressions to describe characteristics, background andhow they can be used in new stories. I have analysed multiple game characters using the goodeye method and divided their aesthetics into content, color spatial organisation, light, andexpressive content and then tried to apply it on already written characters for a digital gameand adapt them to the aesthetics of the game world.

<p>This thesis tells the story of a design case creating an user interface for a MMORPG where the player are able control the body language of the avatar. By this the game can achieve a gameplay about drama and strong characterization. The thesis addresses considerations on what aspects of body language that can be important for computer games and other virtual environments. It also offers design considerations when designing interfaces for using gestures and other body signals to communicate emotions in virtual environments such as computer games. The main design consideration when creating the interface was to treat the player as an actor and the game world as a stage. The player needs to be in control of combinations of facial expressions, body posture and gestures as well as relative avatar positioning to other characters and objects. The interface was first tested as a paper prototype, re-designed, re-tested and then implemented into a computer prototype.</p>

<p>This thesis describes a six-month project based on stroke rehabilitation and involves designing with medical doctors, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, prototyping and evaluating with both stroke patients and other users. Our project involves the construction of a rehabilitation exercise system, based on virtual environments (VE) and haptics, designed for stroke patients. Our system uses a commercially available haptic device called the PHANTOM Omni, which has the possibility of being used as a rehabilitation tool to interact with virtual environments. The PHANTOM Omni is used in combination with our own developed software based on the platform H3D API. Our goal is to construct an application which will motivate the stroke patient to start using their arm again.</p><p>We give a review of the different aspects of stroke, rehabilitation, VE and haptics and how these have previously been combined. We describe our findings from our literature studies and from informal interviews with medical personnel. From these conclusions we attempt to take the research area further by suggesting and evaluating designs of different games/genres that can be used with the PHANTOM Omni as possible haptic exercises for post-stroke arm rehabilitation. We then present two different implementations to show how haptic games can be constructed. We mainly focus on an application we built, a game, using an iterative design process based on studies conducted during the project, called "The Labyrinth". The game is used to show many of the different aspects that have to be taken into account when designing haptic games for stroke patients. From a study with three stroke patients we have seen that "The Labyrinth" has the potential of being a stimulating, encouraging and fun exercise complement to the traditional rehabilitation. Through the design process and knowledge we acquired during this thesis we have created a set of general design guidelines that we believe can help in the future software development of haptic games for post-stroke arm rehabilitation.</p>

The sixth volume of the DIGAREC Series holds the contributions to the DIGAREC Keynote-Lectures given at the University of Potsdam in the winter semester 2009/10. With contributions by Mark J.P. Wolf (Concordia University Wisconsin), Espen Aarseth (Center for Computer Games Research, IT University of Copenhagen), Katie Salen (Parsons New School of Design, New York), Laura Ermi and Frans Mäyrä (University of Tampere), and Lev Manovich (University of Southern California, San Diego).

This is a thesis that deals with the norms and rules of players playing online games together. It is also a thesis about believability, the current capabilities of non-player characters (NPCs) and the attitudes amongst game developers towards dynamic and systemic games AI. The primary theme of this thesis considers which means of communication and coordination in terms of norms and rules are present in groups of players and particularly in guilds and clans playing Massively Multi Online Games (MMOGs) and First Person Shooters (FPSs) respectively. The presence of norms in these types of groups has been overlooked in previous research even though guilds have been addressed to some extent. When rules have been discussed in games research, the actual use, meaning and interpretation behind these rules from a player perspective has been omitted. In this thesis rules and norms are interpreted from a guild and clan perspective as important means for coordination, used in order to keep the group together. The implicit rules are further seen as implicit rules made explicit through guild and clan forums where these groups of players express how to preserve the shared game experience. The absence of rituals, norms and rules has also been studied in temporary groups of one MMOG, with the explanation that existing relations with other players are maintained in these game sessions, but new relations are usually seen as too costly to invest in. The second theme is directed at believability and the state of current NPCs, how immersion is influenced by NPCs that do not act in believable ways. The second theme is also influenced by the first theme, whereby rules and norms are seen as valuable tools for creating believability in NPCs, directly targeting the social layer, a slightly overlooked area of research. The last section is directed at applying the results from the first section, how players play by the rules and norms of the group, and how this could foster believability in NPCs. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 2: In press. Paper 5: In press. Paper 6: In press.</p>

Academic work dealing with the overlap between video games and female representation is limited in both volume and proper research. Most texts agree on three supposed flaws with video games: they alienate female participants, there are no games for female players, and female players cannot relate to female characters. This thesis sheds light on these points, not only citing specific counter-examples, but also showing how many of these issues reflect on a larger societal problems.

This essay focuses on two cases studies that include two game designers’ views of meaning-making construction in games and an analysis of their corresponding games. This isplaced in relation to the late modern Sweden context. The study examines how the designersconceive purposeful play by employing a multi-disciplinary approach consistingof Pruyser’s three-world model, Bell’s ritualization framework, and, Howard’s quest theory.Such a study is relevant due to the new ways meaning-making is actively producedwithin games and contributes to the understanding of meaning-making in late modernSweden. The two designers work at DICE and Starbreeze Studios and were interviewedusing a semi-structured methodology. The data is analyzed with a qualitative narrativetechnique applying an inductive theoretical lens to analyze the data thematically. Bothrespondents illustrate patterns of meaning-making in their construction of games wherefunctionality is central and vital to produce purposeful play. The construction of illusionisticgame worlds encloses on feelings of authenticity to the world’s structure. Realistic,autistic, and, object symbolism operate to mold the world structure and are connected tothe designers’ genre. The designer from DICE promotes realistic worlds and the designerfrom Starbreeze Studios autistic representations. Ritualized practice within the worldfocuses on combat differentiation techniques to legitimize violent practice. The designers’realistic world construction makes combat plausible within its border and autistic worldsare empowered by back-stories. Opposition is seen as essential in both cases. The correspondinggame shows similar tendencies except that many of the quest themes are intactalthough the designers themselves consider the games to use less of the mythologicalformulae. Characters, themes, and, allegorical imagery was used to amplify the sense ofdialectic oppositions and logical opposition where the enemy is always darker. However,the hero and heroes are considerably grimmer compared to the stereotypical hero. Meaningis maintained through non-allegorical quests where the player and hero are motivatedby functionality linked to opposition or emotional elements. An anti-heroic concept isemployed to construct a practical and credible hero-character that has ambivalent attributesand convincing behavior. An alteration to dark-light symbolism can also be seen inone of the cases. In relation to other studies, this essay has broaden the spectrum of thepsychology of religion in terms of fields for meaning strategies; confirming ritualizedstrategies in video games; displayed altered ways of using mythological symbols in theSwedish context; presented cultural differences in hero structures that might be based onthe Swedish context.