Using microgenetic methods to investigate problem solving in video games


Anderson Alice Brunner Cornelia Culp Katie McMillan Diamond James Lewis Ashley Martin Wendy
2009 DiGRA '09 - Proceedings of the 2009 DiGRA International Conference: Breaking New Ground: Innovation in Games, Play, Practice and Theory

As formative research for the development of a suite of middle school life science video games, we are adapting microgenetic research methods [15] that use repeated, small-scale task-based sessions with participants to document how reasoning and understanding can develop and change in short periods of time. In this study, we are working with students between the ages of 9 and 12, examining the development of their strategic thinking as they play commercial games that focus on problem solving tasks (World of Goo, Auditorium, Crayon Physics, Portal). The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the methods we are using and to discuss how they may help to illuminate how game mechanics, narrative context and instructional design can be utilized to create developmentally appropriate games.

 

Problem Solving: The Essence of Player Action in Computer Games


Jørgensen Kristine
2003 DiGRA '03 - Proceedings of the 2003 DiGRA International Conference: Level Up

This paper will present the major findings of the author’s hovedfag (M.A.) thesis [1], which investigates how the player engages in the structuring of courses of action in computer games. Since the player’s engagement may be said to be a problem solving process, this paper presents a scheme of problem solving in modern computer games that proposes the concept of computer game agency. The scheme will be illustrated by examples from the computer role-playing game Baldur’s Gate II, and the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might & Magic IV.

 

Designing Puzzles for Collaborative Gaming Experience – CASE: eScape


Manninen Tony Korva Tuomo
2005 DiGRA '05 - Proceedings of the 2005 DiGRA International Conference: Changing Views: Worlds in Play

This paper examines the issues of puzzle design in the context of collaborative gaming. The qualitative research approach involves both the conceptual analysis of key terminology and a case study of a collaborative game called eScape. The case study is a design experiment, involving both the process of designing a game environment and an empirical study, where data is collected using multiple methods. The findings and conclusions emerging from the analysis provide insight into the area of multiplayer puzzle design. The analysis and reflections answer questions on how to create meaningful puzzles requiring collaboration and how far game developers can go with collaboration design. The multiplayer puzzle design introduces a new challenge for game designers. Group dynamics, social roles and an increased level of interaction require changes in the traditional conceptual understanding of a single-player puzzle.