The gameplay visualization manifesto: a framework for logging and visualization of online gameplay data

ABSTRACT

As massively multiplayer online games gain popularity, there has been a concomitant increase in their size and complexity, both technically and in terms of player usage. Quality assurance for such games takes up a major component of the development budget due to the painstaking work required to ensure the best possible gameplay. This article presents a new framework for the process of visualizing online game-play data. Major components such as an event model and data acquisition infrastructure are derived. Interface and implementation factors are also explored, including in-situ game interface approaches. We also expect that this framework can be modified for all genres of gaming that require an understanding of complex game-play.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation)

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.8 Database applications
          Subjects: Data mining
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.3 Information Search and Retrieval
          Subjects: Selection process; Retrieval models; Information filtering

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.8 Applications

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Human Factors, Management, Measurement

Keywords:
game design, gameplay visualization, massively multiplayer online games, massively multiplayer online roleplaying games, quests