Influencing gameplay in support of early synthetic prototyping studies
Authors
Ross, Douglas J.
Subjects
Early Synthetic Prototyping
acquisition
video games
crowdsourcing
Engineering Resilient Systems
science and technology
game environment
acquisition
video games
crowdsourcing
Engineering Resilient Systems
science and technology
game environment
Advisors
Darken, Rudolph
Vogt, Brian
Date of Issue
2016-06
Date
16-Jun
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Early Synthetic Prototyping (ESP) is a concept being developed by the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) to utilize a game environment and crowdsourcing techniques to receive end-user feedback on proposed acquisition programs early in the concept development stage. To be effective, ESP will need soldiers to participate, both to produce data and to interact with the game environment in such a way that the data is meaningful. This study proposed a methodology for creating scoring algorithms and examined its ability to influence player behavior and enjoyment. A group of students and faculty from the Naval Postgraduate School executed two scenarios in a VBS3 game environment. A scoring algorithm was applied to one scenario and data collected to determine the effect on player behavior and motivation. The study found qualitative evidence that scoring mechanisms enhanced enjoyment and could influence desired behavior. However, quantitative data was not statistically significant to demonstrate a corresponding effect on gameplay. The results of this preliminary work can be used to support future studies on how to utilize scoring algorithms to support ESP research.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Computer Science
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.