dot’s it! – a mobile gamefor android devices

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DOT’S IT! – A Mobile Gamefor Android Devices AbstractDOT’S IT is a mobile game which can enhance user strategic, analytic and critical thinking skillsby focusing on puzzle solving gameplay as a primary activity by providing different figures to challenge the user to come up with the right solution using dots and lines. Through the use of different algorithm to create an interactive environment such as Gesture Recognition and Randomization Algorithm.DOT’S IT is a puzzle game with additional features such as scoring mechanism, timer and interactive environment to increase the level of entertainment thus, providing a mobile puzzle game in an advance yet interesting way. Jeric B. Lunar Technological Institute of the Philippines Karangalan Village Cainta Rizal +639-339455668 jericlunar@yahoo. Mr. Mark Jade Corpuz Technological Institute of the Philippines 938 Aurora Blvd. Cubao Quezon City +639-295806753 edajkram1011 Mrs. Rosmina Joy Cabuautan Technological Institute of the Philippines 938 Aurora Blvd Quezon, Martin M. Tabelisma Technological Institute of the Philippines Saint Claire 3 Concepcion, Marikina City +639-275190680 Joy B. Yee Technological Institute of the Philippines #22 Saint Catherine Cainta Rizal +639-277650140 [email protected]

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DOTS IT! A Mobile Gamefor Android Devices

Mrs. Rosmina Joy CabuautanTechnologicalInstitute of the Philippines938 Aurora BlvdQuezon,[email protected]. Mark Jade CorpuzTechnologicalInstitute of the Philippines938 Aurora Blvd. Cubao Quezon City+639-295806753edajkram1011 @yahoo.comJeric B. LunarTechnologicalInstitute of the PhilippinesKarangalan VillageCainta [email protected]

Joy B. YeeTechnologicalInstitute of the Philippines#22 Saint Catherine Cainta [email protected] M. TabelismaTechnologicalInstitute of the PhilippinesSaint Claire 3 Concepcion,Marikina [email protected]

AbstractDOTS IT is a mobile game which can enhance user strategic, analytic and critical thinking skillsby focusing on puzzle solving gameplay as a primary activity by providing different figures to challenge the user to come up with the right solution using dots and lines. Through the use of different algorithm to create an interactive environment such as Gesture Recognition and Randomization Algorithm.DOTS IT is a puzzle game with additional features such as scoring mechanism, timer and interactive environment to increase the level of entertainment thus, providing a mobile puzzle game in an advance yet interesting way.

Categories and Subject Descriptor- D.3.2 Java, K.7.2 ACM, D.3.2 BETA, J.3 Cellular computing, D.2.6 Eclipse

General Terms-Algorithm, Design, Documentation, Management, Verification

Keywords-Mobile game, Strategic Game, Mobile Computing, Dots, Lines

1. INTRODUCTION

The innovation of technology has brought changes in our daily lives. It has been a major contributor in the success of different field of endeavor such as science, engineering, architecture, information and communication technologies and a lot more. There are so many trending mobile games as of today; there is the Angry Bird, Temple Run, Plant vs. Zombies, Cut the Rope and many more. Shifting from PC to mobile games affected the IT industry, more developers came out and the trends for mobile games and application became a blast. There are many varieties of mobile game; it can be strategic, puzzle, mind games and more.2 Dimensional mobile game started it all and now 3 Dimensional mobile games are popping everywhere[6]. More adventure like mobile games came out of the market and because of those mobile games and application the industry of mobile phones is affected in a positive way. More people are purchasing tablets and full touch screen phones just to use mobile applications. iPhones and Android phones had become one of the bestselling mobile phones in the industry because of mobile application. Strategic mobile application is one of the most trending mobile application varieties because it tickles the mind of the player. Players are attracted to those mobile applications because it is mind exercising and at the same time exciting and fun[9].The primary motivation of the researchers in developing this software/project lies on the fact that this kind of technology has been so very famous and prevalent in our society in the past few years. The increased ubiquity of mobile phones has raised interest in how mobiles can be used for entertainment applications such as mobile games. Its ease of use, accessibility, and the kind and level of entertainment it brings out to the users are the factors which drive them to come with this software project. And since this mobile game aims to sharpen and develop the critical and analytical skills of its users, especially the children, the proponents thought that this is a great tool in achieving and doing such things. The developers would want to explore more on this field of endeavor to bring mobile gaming in an advance yet interesting way.The primary objective of the study is to develop a mobile based game that can entertain and enhance critical and strategic skills of the user. Specifically, the project aims to develop a mobile game that can enhance the users critical, analytic, and strategic skills by connecting dots using lines to create the required image needed to advance to the next level without taking a backward step, passing on the line twice, and lifting off the hands on the screen. The researchers also aim to perform application testing using standard evaluation criteria to our intended users to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the mobile applications functionality, aesthetics, game play, and user experience. The researchers also intended to conduct a survey that will determine the level of difficulty of each figure. The survey will tell the developers what figure will be integrated on each level.If our game development succeeded, we can help and be a reference for those Android developers and we can build up a new set of developers for Android who has the knowledge on developing new application using Java Programming Language which is now abundant and highly recognized in the Mobile Game Development Industry and different programming techniques which constitute this project. This paper is organized as follows. In Section 2, the most related works on mobile gaming are presented. The methods used and the framework is presented in detail in Section 3 followed by the experimental results and analysis in Section 4. Finally, the paper is concluded with some ideas for future works.

2. REVIEW OF RELATED WORKSA Dynamic World of Entertainment Social GamingPonder on these few questions as you browse through the various social gaming platforms...would you like to spend some money to buy goods for your virtual city? Would you take a keen interest on other people's cities and become the Mayor of that city? Well, these questions seemed strange a few years back, but not anymore today. This is now one of many ways of entertaining oneself, a favorite pastime and more importantly a thriving industry. A dynamic and entertaining world of social gaming that is making a huge impact socially and financially in the social media scenario

In order to understand the market, it is important for thegamepublishersto have access to social data analytics on a regular basis. It is necessary to constantly monitor the social activity of the users by keeping a track of profile updates, wall posts, like and time spent in different other online games. To evaluate and measure the social activity of an user, many service providers have introduced tools that can publishers evaluate the social gaming metrics.To understand the customer behavior and develop socialgamingstrategiesfor the future depending upon the behavior, the gaming solutions now has social intelligence applications that can assist in tracking down important information across various social platforms.Socialgamedevelopmentrepresents an immense opportunity for developers and it is quite sure that in the coming years there are bound to be more companies muscling their way. The industry is definitely starting to generate real revenues but they must remain unique and challenging in order to remain popular.Michael Torner is an IT professional and is currently involved in online social game development.Social Game Developer[1].Mobile Game ConsultingThemobilegaming industry is growing at a rapid rate and it is estimated that the total mobile software market will reach $10 billion worldwide. Even though paid software is leading in the gaming scene right now, businesses are trying to enter the potential of gaming industry by giving away the software as free download. A recent research revealed about 90% ofsmartphoneusersplay mobile games at least once a week. It is said, about 90% of mobilephoneusersin the US will own a smart phone. If you haven't heard about mobile game consulting, it is time to plunge into action and to start thinking about using mobile games to reach your potential audience.

Games on the smartphones are used by both men and women. If you assume that smartphone users use their device mainly to access web on mobile, you are wrong. Smartphone owners are mostly interested in apps and software that help them to make their day better and brighter. Premium software is raving right now because all the parties involved are benefited. Gamers will get their game asfreedownloadand game developers make profit by persuading users to purchase products or additional services through games. Business owners can use mobile games to persuade gamers to buy their products or service using freemium model.Developing games formobilephonesis difficult and different than developing games for PC. As different smartphonesusedifferent platforms, it is important to develop games that can be used in all platforms. It is for this reason that mobile game developers are in high demand. Moreover, the games should be entertaining and engaging because unless thesmartphoneuserspends a lot of time on software, the development effort will become a waste. Game consulting companies will help you to develop games appropriate for your target audience so that they will continue enjoying the game that is monetized with your business advertisements.It is important to understand to which extent the games can be bugged about advertisements. Most smartphone users who prefer playing games on their mobile phones like free apps with minimal advertising. The game consulting company should be able to tell you how to draw the line between advertising products and annoying gamers. When gamers are frequently frustrated by the cheap marketing tactics, they will simply quit the game and never come back.Developing games is different from developing apps that can be monetized. Game consulting will give you an insight into the potential of gamers and how they can be converted into your business customers. As people from all walks of life and in different age groups like to play games, it is important to develop games that suit a wide variety of audience. This most fun way of advertising is catching up withsmartphoneusers and the ability to pay using the smart phones encourage people to make purchases directly from their mobile phones. If used in the right way, the mobile gaming industry can increase profits of your business easily in a short duration.[2].SIPA: A Proudly Pinoy-Made Mobile App

For as long as I can remember, Filipino kids have been playingsipa(which literally means kick inTagalog) on the streets. Having a lot of boy playmates when I was much (much?!) younger, I also learned how to play the sport. Not well, but not dreadfully either. It brings back a rush of sweet nostalgia from those innocent days, when all I care about is the time that I can finally go out to play. If youre thinking of asking for a live demonstration, well, dont even go there. Ive lost my full-body agility superpowers a long time ago, replaced by fast fingers I mainly use as weapons of mass destruction. Which brings me to this posts review topic:SIPA: Street Hack Sack, an Android/iOS application which brings to life one of the oldest and most-loved street games in the Philippines. SIPA is the first-ever Pinoy-themed game available on the Android Market and the iTunes App Store (links below), made by a group of highly talented Filipinos, a couple of whom Ive had the enormous pleasure of working with several years ago. From the game description:The object of the Sipa game is to hit a shuttlecock with your feet and elbows for as long as you can. In the Philippines, players use washer with ribbons or scrap cloth.An app that promotes our rich Filipino culture and heritage, teaches the player to become environmentally-aware, is exciting and wholesome and fun and has some really cutesy graphics to boot? What more can any Filipino ask for from a mobile game made by fellow Pinoys? And its not even expensive like other apps in the market. Can you tell Im a SIPA believer?[3].Above related works all pertains and tackles mobile gaming or mobile game development. The articles prove that mobile gaming are indeed gaining so much popularity and has been a major contributor in the field of Information Technology. In relation with our study, it also deals with mobile game development for Android Phones which are very popular now in the market. Our game also enables users to enjoy while developing their critical and analytical skills through the obstacles that are present in the game.

3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK3.1 AlgorithmsThe following are the algorithms which were utilized by the researchers in the completion of this mobile game. a.) Gesture Recognition This algorithm describes the gesture recognition which accepts and recognize the input gesture can effectively recognize single-hand gestures under a complex environment. This algorithm was applied in the game to capture and identify gesture strokes of the user to determine if the figure drawn is the correct answer for a certain level. The gesture stroke is then compared to the gesture stroke stored in the application for validation purposes.

b.) Randomization AlgorithmIt is defined as an algorithm that typically uses a random as a guide to its behavior. The simplicity of using a randomized algorithm can easily picks a random arrangement in order to control the figures that will show up. It was applied in every level to produce 5 different figures for the user to make. The purpose of this algorithm is to make the user unable to memorize the figures in each level.

Figure 1.Psuedorandom Number GeneratorThe figure above depicts the formula that was used by the developers in generating random figures in the mobile game. A pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) is an algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers that approximates the properties of random numbers. The sequence is not truly random in that it is completely determined by a relatively small set of initial values, called the PRNG's state, which includes a truly random seed.

3.2 Computing Principles Different IT core principles are used during the project development. One of them is the Coding Principle wherein the developers used standard coding schemes and procedures such as proper variable and naming conventions, procedural statements, and others. Another is the User Interface Design. This principle was applied through the creation and implementation of simple yet effective and attractive user interface to enhance user experience and Game Usability Heuristics.4. METHODSThe purpose of DOTs IT is to enhance critical thinking of an individual by means of a strategic game. It is a mind game that consists of dots and lines that will let the user think critically how the figure can be form without taking any step backwards. DOTS IT is a strategic mobile game that is played with dots and lines and is a single player game. The game has many patterns to provide the user, the user will need to solve all the patterns by means of connecting dots but there will be some challenges for the player to solve a pattern because the lines cannot be drawn twice or more and the lines cannot go backward. The directions that the player can use are moving to the left, moving to the right, diagonal, and forward. With these hindrances the player will have to think first before drawing a line or else the game can be over. There is a time limit for each pattern depending on how difficult the pattern is. The player is not allowed to take his finger off the screen because if he does, the lines will be erased and the player needs to go back to the starting point of the pattern to complete it. An error also will make the player go back to the starting point, that is why before making a move the player must think how he will move and what direction will he choose to avoid going back to the starting point.4.1 System Architecture

Figure 3. System ArchitectureThe figure above depicts the system architecture of the mobile game. There are 4 major modules which comprises the game. First is the Play module wherein, when pressed, users can choose if it is new game or continue. The Option module is made up of 3 sub modules such as the Reset, which brings back the scores in the database back to zero, the Setting, which controls the volume of the sound, and About, which shows credits and information about the game. The third module is the High Score which simply let the users view the top 10 leading scorers of the game. The Exit closes the game.4.2 Programming Languagesa. Java Programing LanguageJava is a general-purpose, concurrent, class-based, object-oriented language that is specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is intended to let application developers "write once, run anywhere" (WORA), meaning that code that runs on one platform does not need to be recompiled to run on another. This programming language will be used to code the logical flow of the mobile game. All of the games functionality and features shall be coded using this language, Java language.b. XMLXML (Extensible Markup Language) is a flexible way to create commoninformationformats and share both the format and thedataon the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere.XML will also take a big part on this development for it will be used for the layouts of the mobile game. This language will be utilized to enhance layouts and the user interface of this mobile game.4.3 Development Toola.Eclipse (Indigo)Eclipse is a free IDE that can be used to create Java and JavaFX applications. It is also known for being a platform that simplifies the development of desktop applications by providing APIs that handle commonly needed tasks. NetBeans will be used as the primary IDE for the whole development process and it is where all the codings shall take place. However, the proponents shall still install some plug-ins for this to work.b. Java Development Kit (JDK)A Java Development Kit (JDK) is a program development environment for writing Javaapplets and applications. This is very important because it will provide a runtime environment for Java application as well as tools and programming that developers need to compile, debug, and run. In short, JDK is essential for NetBeans to work.c. Adobe Photoshop CS5Adobe Photoshop is a professional image editing software package that can be used by experts and novices alike. It will serve as the primary image editing tool for all images/pictures that will be rendered in the proposed mobile game.d.) Android SDKIt is use in developing mobile application for android phones. It has the emulator needed for the application to run a simulation to check if the application has bugs.4.4 Platform Toola. Android OSAndroid OS is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other companies.4.5 Statistical ToolData gleaned from the survey will be tallied and tabulated to further analyze and interpret the respondents answers on the developed mobile game. The researchers used this formula:

Average Rating = F1X5)+(F2X4)+(F3X3)+(F4X2)+(F5X1)Total Respondents

4.6 Decision CriteriaSCALERATINGINTERPRETATION

54.45-5.00Fully Achieved

43.45-4.44Achieved in a Large Extent

32.45-3.44Adequately Achieved

21.45-2.44Slightly Achieved

11.0-1.44Not Achieved

Table 1.Likert ScaleThe Lickert Scale shall be used to interpret all gathered data. Interpretation on each criteria shall be based on this table which can be classified as Fully Achieved, Achieved to a Large Extent, Adequately Achieved, Slightly Achieved and Not Achieved. 5. EVALUATIONEXPERIMENTATION and RESULTS

5.1 Evaluation ToolIn evaluating the functionality, performance, user interface and other features of the mobile game, the developers had decided to follow the following criteria/guidelines from the study Playability Heuristics for Mobile Games by Korhonen, Hannu and Koivisto, Elina of NOKIA RESEARCH CENTER in Tamere, Finland. The guidelines are as follows:

a.) Initial Playability Heuristic Dont waste players time Provide gameplay help Differentiation between the device user interface (UI) and the game user interface should be evident Use terms that are familiar to the player Status of the characters and the game should be clearly visible The player should have clear goals Support a wide range of players and playing styles

b.) Game Usability Heuristics (user-game interaction)

Audio-visual representation supports the game Screen layout is efficient and visually pleasing Indicators are visible The player understands the terminology Navigation is consistent, logical and minimalist The players does not have to memorize things unnecessarily. The game contains help

c.) Mobility Heuristics (implementation in a mobile phone)

Interruptions are handled reasonably

d.) Gameplay Heuristics (game mechanics and the game itself)

The game provide clear goals and player-created goals The player sees the progress in the game and can compare the results. The players are rewarded and the rewards are meaningful The player is in control The first-time experience is encouraging There are no repetitive and boring tasks The game is consistent The player does not lose any hard-won possessions

5.2 Summary of Results

CriteriaNo of PaperAverage RatingINTERPRET -ATION

1.) Initial Playability Heuristics204.33Achieved in a Large Extent

2.) Game Usability Heuristics (user-game interaction)204.10Adequately Achieved

3.) Mobility Heuristics204.24Achieved in a Large Extent

4.)Game play heuristics203.40Slightly Achieved

Table 2. Summary of FindingsThe figure above shows the tallied and analyzed data based on the conducted survey made by the researchers in evaluating the four (4) criteria of this mobile game. The researchers utilized the statistical tool presented in the previous chapter in processing all data gathered and the Likert Scale to fully interpret the results of how do our respondents/target user think about this mobile game.

5.3 Level DifficultiesFigures No.No. of RespondentsRatingLevelInterpretations

12075%3

22075%2

32075%3

42075%3

52060%10

62065%3

72080%4

82065%5

92070%6

102065%2

112075%3

122085%4

132070% 5

142075%2

152075%1

167070%1

172055%1

182065%1

192070%7

202080%9

212060%10

222055%1

232060%8

242065%8

252075%7

262085%6

272065%2

282075%7

292070%5

302065%6

312060%6

322055%4

332080%4

342075%4

352065%2

362060%10

372070%3

382080%5

392065%9

402065%6

412065%3

422080%10

432080%6

442055%2

452055%2

462060%2

472085%5

482085%1

492065%2

502065%1

Table 3. Summary Results of SurveyThe table above depicts the result of the survey made by the developers in determining the difficulty of the figures that are present in the mobile game. The first column are the numbers which corresponds to the figures (see attached paper for reference). Meanwhile, the second column tells how many respondents does the survey has, which is 20 respondents. The third column tells the number of respondents who voted/answered that the figure must belong to that level of difficulty. And lastly, the fourth column interprets the survey made. This column contains the detail into which level does each figures belong.

6. CONCLUSIONBased on the summary of findings made, the researchers therefore conclude that this mobile game had somehow achieved what has to be achieved. The results says that the Initial Playability Heuristics of this mobile game were achieved in a large extent which indicates that the game did not waste players time and he did not find the game hard to understand because goals are clear and help/instructions are provided. Its Game Usability Heuristics (user-game interaction) were adequately achieved, meaning the audio visual representation of the game, layout and others are fairly satisfactory. Meanwhile, users thought that the games Mobility Heuristics were achieved in a large extent which shows that it can handle interruptions reasonably. And lastly, the Game play Heuristics of this game, according to the users, were slightly achieved. This depicts that users have somehow found the game interesting and worthwhile to play because no boring and repetitive tasks were given and it doesnt allow users to be stagnated.

7. FUTURE WORKSAfter the development and integration of this mobile game, the researchers recommend the following:a.)For the users, the developers highly recommend them to be engaged on this type of game because it can greatly enhance their critical and strategic skills. Although the game is comprised of only 10 levels, the researchers thought that these would be enough for them to sharpen the skills mentioned above. However, too much usage of this game is not good for it will result to addiction. They should always remember that in everything that we do moderation is the key.

b.) And lastly, for the future researchers. They are greatly encourage to make a more extensive and comprehensive study about this trending technology Mobile Gaming. The researchers recommend for further development of this mobile game for a much better functionality and a higher level of entertainment and learning.

8. REFERENCE[1] Source: Zazenju Reddy,March 30, 2012http://www.sooperarticles.com/communications-articles/mobile-games-articles/dynamic-world-entertainment-social-gaming-890151.html

[2] Source:Sanjana Antony,January 24, 2012http://www.sooperarticles.com/communications-articles/mobile-games-articles/mobile-game-consulting-798692.html

[3]Source: Jerry Liao, October 23, 2004http://mb.com.ph/articles/354648/social-networking-changes-gaming-landscape

[4] Source: Lan Wanghttp://petalwang.wordpress.com/mobilegame/

[5]http://www.developer.nokia.com/Resources/Tools_and_downloads/[6]http://www.sooperarticles.com/communications-articles/mobile-games-articles/great-little-war-game-tactical-mobile-game-will-bring-excitement-great-3d-experience-805762.html

[7]http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-3D-Game-Development-Charles/dp/1584505125

[8] http://store.ovi.com/content/103337

[9]http://store.ovi.com/content/148285?clickSource=search&pos=9

[10]http://www.mobiles24.com/downloads/s/340830-109-dots_and_boxes_360x640_nokia_5800

[11]http://store.ovi.com/content/47051?clickSource=search&pos=1

[12]http://store.ovi.com/content/272814?clickSource=search&pos=1

[13] http://www.developer.nokia.com/Develop/Java/Tools/

[14]http://www.mobiles24.com/downloads/s/340830-109-dots_and_boxes_360x640_nokia_5800