Latency Incorporated Game Mechanics: A game design project

Jensen, Tom

4. term

Medialogy, Master

2011

2011-05-31

43 pages

This project proposes a novel method for achieving fairness for players of network games with high latencies. Studies have shown that a player’s performance falls as latency increases to the game server. Studies also show that the first person shooter genre is highly sensitive to this phenomenon. Three hypotheses are constructed, based on results of other studies. These hypotheses seek to boost a player’s characteristics as a function of the player’s latency. Hence, Latency Incorporated Game Mechanics. In order to evaluate these hypotheses a game is designed, as well as specific features and procedures needed in the evaluation process. The game is then realized through a working prototype. This prototype is then used in an experiment that ultimately is inconclusive in its evaluation of the hypotheses, but does bring valuable information for future work. Finally the project as a whole is evaluated. It is determined that while there is great need for future work on the project’s main focus, a solid base of knowledge and prototype equipment has been accumulated for the next phases.

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