My Research Projects
During my graduate degree, I’ve conducted two researches in game studies. My main goals during this time were to study competitive game design and how to enhance player experience. Below, you can find details of my researches.
Predictability in Competitive Video Games: Effects of Strategic Equilibrium on Player Agency
The extended abstract of this research was submitted to Digital Game Research Association (DiGRA) for their 2024 conference, which was accepted to present at Guadalajara, Mexico. The full paper and the extended abstract can be read below.
This research, conducted during my final year of my master’s program in collaboration with my professors Kristin Carlson and Greg Corness, studied the effects of strategic equilibrium on player agency in competitive games. To achieve this, I designed and developed a game to test our hypothesis that without game mechanics forcing players to interact with others, a phase of lull is created, resulting in a negative experience for both players and viewers. In the end, we used analysis of League of Legends game dynamics to show examples of how equilibrium occurs and can be avoided
Full Paper
Extended Abstract
Frozen Flame: A Prototype Game Study on Counterplay
This study examines the effect of counterplay mechanics on player behavior and emotional responses in competitive games. Conducted during my final semester of bachelor’s, I designed a one versus one game where players have the same ability but the level design changes each round. This game was presented at Illinois State University’s Game Showcase for students and faculties to try out, and answer the survey for the research afterwards.
Games Showcase 2023 at Illinois State University
Gameplay Screenshots
Full Paper
Showcase Brochure