The Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithm Upper Confidence bounds applied to Trees (UCT) has become extremely popular in computer games research. Because of the importance of this family of algorithms, a deeper understanding of when and how their different enhancements work is desirable. To avoid hard-to-analyze intricacies of tournament-level programs in complex games, this work focuses on a simple abstract game: Sum of Switches (SOS). In the SOS environment we measure the performance of UCT and two of popular enhancements: Score Bonus and the Rapid Action Value Estimation (RAVE) heuristic. RAVE is often a strong estimator, but there are some situations where it misleads a search. To mimic such situations, two different error models for RAVE are explored: random error and systematic bias. We introduce a new, more robust version of RAVE called RAVE-max to better cope with errors.

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This report describes my work with developing a game for a gaming platform that enables hybrids between board games and computer games. My ambition has been to develop a game that takes advantage of the novel possibilities that this platform permits. Among those are to operate with a combination of the computer game traits of complexity in the games and ease of playing; as well as the board game / card game traits of combining social dynamics around a game session with ability to keep information hidden from other players. This is accomplished by a combination of mobile phones and a computer connected to the Internet. The screen of the computer will serve as board and the phones will display cards and other private information to the players, as well as functioning as the players' means for interaction with the game. The game developed, Wind Bugs, takes advantage of the complexity of game states that a computer easily can handle. Effort has been put into finding mechanics with a level of complexity while still implementing them in way that makes them both playable and enjoyable. Rather than focusing on immersion, which has become common in the design of computer games, hopes are that games for this platform, including the game developed in this project, will give room to social dynamics among the players. Though operating with the use of mobile phones, the platform will not support "mobile gaming"; the proposed setting is a group of players surrounding a big screen.