Leveraging Icebreaking Tasks to Facilitate Uptake of Voice Communication in Multiplayer Games

  • Kieran Hicks
  • , Kathrin Gerling
  • , Patrick Dickinson
  • , Conor Linehan
  • , Carl Gowen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Voice Communication (VC) is widely employed by developers as an essential component of online games. Typically, it is assumed that communications through this mechanism will be helpful and enjoyable, but existing literature suggests that the entry into VC can be problematic. In this paper, we present a study that attempts to mitigate player discomfort when first engaging with VC with strangers, through the use of traditional icebreaking tasks. We integrate these into the game RET, an online cooperative first person shooter which requires effective communication for players to succeed. An online user study with 18 participants suggests that icebreaking tasks can contribute to a positive VC experience, but their inclusion also creates further issues to be considered for successful integration.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Computer Entertainment Technology - 14th International Conference, ACE 2017, Proceedings
EditorsMasahiko Inami, Teresa Romao, Adrian David Cheok, Adrian David Cheok
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages187-201
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9783319762692
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event14th International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology, ACE 2017 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 14 Dec 201716 Dec 2017

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume10714 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference14th International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology, ACE 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period14/12/1716/12/17

Keywords

  • Game design
  • Player experience
  • Voice communication

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