Jonathan Jason C. King LiTricia Angela A. Monsod

What are we dealing with?Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)

Applied in medical sciences for prosthetic uses. (Nijholt, 2008)

Can we apply this technology for gaming? ▪ Yes!

Has this been done before? ▪ Yes!

Did you know?

Current researches only explored BCIs through proofs-of-concept but no actual game has been created… yet.

Progress so far…

Game engine has been created and is currently being perfected to create an actual BCI game.

Players need help. Affect-Sensitive

Agent

What’s What?

Game (Fullerton, Swain, & Hoffman, 2004) Closed Formal system Structured conflict Unequal outcome

Agent Computer System Autonomous in a Virtual Environment Achieves its Design Objectives

What Did We Do?

Two-Fold Objective: Affect-Sensitive Game Development▪ Using appropriate brain wave signals ▪ Plot creation

Game Agent Creation▪ Neurofeedback▪ Motivational Dialogue

Instruments and Intent

OCZ Neural-Impulse Actuator & Brainfingers Access Software

Not for profit

So why create an AGENT?

Novelty of the modality Implausible incorporation of rules in

a BCI-dependent game Different brain activity patterns

The Game’s Job

Neurofeedback Set a goal.▪ Read brain signals.▪ Show to user his/her distance from goal.▪ Repeat until goal is achieved.

Brain Activity Explained

Brain Activity “Is the user relaxed or agitated?” Create a meter for it.

If the user is relaxed, the meter goes to the left.

If the user is agitated, the meter goes to the right. Now make some fancy applications…Now make some fancy applications…

Tadaa! The game interface

So what’s the game about?

School of Thought is basically a story-driven game that revolves around a titular character gifted with three powers (pyro, ghost and telekinesis) that has been kidnapped for experimentation with the goal of escaping the castle while utilizing their powers to get past obstacles.

Power Icons: Were you paying attention?

Pyro – Burns objects such as candles, locks, and torches.

Ghost – Allows the player to pass through walls.

Telekinesis – Moves heavy objects to

clear a path.

What does the agent do?

Plot NarrationPlayer Aid

Provide feedback Give hints▪ “Think chaotic thoughts”, “Try doing math

problems”, “Think of a calm, blue ocean”…

Some Analysis

Elements of a Good Affect-Sensitive Game

Providing a challenge (controls and tasks to be performed)

Aesthetics of the game Parameters of Human Control

Arousal/relaxation – staple description of high beta and alpha waves

Alternatives: physical gestures or facial muscles

A matter of experimentation Affect-Sensitive Agent Implementation

Con: text-based agents tend to be ignored But there are better ways of implementing it

Interested in helping out? Better game plot Wider array of motivational dialogues

To account for varying ways of thought from individual to individual

Implementing more challenging elements for the game Moving targets

More Control Methods Using different devices Giving the player full control via the device

(eliminate conventional controls)

GAME TIME!Any VOLUNTEERS?