Game theory through design: Effects of applying game theory in competitive/cooperative spaceshooter prototype.
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This study explores how game theory can be incorporated into game design to support faircompetitive gameplay and foster player cooperation. A competitive/cooperative top-down splitscreen shooter was developed to be prototyped and playtested with players to understand theoutcomes of applying game theory analysis between competition and cooperation on playerenjoyment. The playtesting process gave the chance to improve the game's mechanics andbalance based on player feedback while also gathering useful feedback on how enjoyable thegame was. A framework for examining player behaviour and decision-making in games isprovided by game theory, which is the study of strategic decision-making. The prisoner'sdilemma and Nash equilibrium are two topics coming from game theory that can beincorporated into games to make them more challenging, fair, and likely to inspire cooperationamong players. In addition, the results showed that using game theory does not automaticallyguarantee that players will enjoy a game. Even when cooperation and competition are balanced,players may put their own goals ahead of the group's. To produce a satisfying player experience,game designers must aim to strike a balance between rivalry and teamwork while taking eachplayer's preferences into account.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 31
Keywords [en]
Game Design, Design, Cooperation, Competition, Prototyping
National Category
Design
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-505650OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-505650DiVA, id: diva2:1771595
Subject / course
Game Design
Educational program
Master's Programme in Game Design, two years
Presentation
2023-05-30, 18:59 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2023-06-212023-06-202025-02-24Bibliographically approved