Transmedial Interactions and Digital Games

Workshop Motivation & Objectives

In persistent online worlds, peer actions and event changes have cumulative effects that are consequential to individuals, whether or not they are available, just as in real life. But unlike real life, where we have plenty of tools to help us juggle multiple responsibilities, access into virtual worlds today occurs through a single access point; active participation requires a significant stationary commitment. Even the most dedicated users have difficulty keeping up with the dynamic information. To remain active and included, users need better ways to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate.

Our research has shown that both players and publishers have significant stakes in improving the design of transmedial access to digital games.

Hardcore gamers would benefit from improved guild management tools, automatic alerts sent without requiring logins, and mini-games for power leveling. Moderate gamers likewise desire mini-games to help advance their characters, and more generally desire features that will help them keep up with their friends without having to invest significant time in front of a home PC.

Publishers benefit as well. If hardcore players are able to stay socially connected to their groups, they are less likely to instigate migration of their social network to a new game. Players will be more invested in the game and their social networks, increasing the game’s value to them and retaining them longer.

The workshop is intended for a broad audience, which will collaboratively achieve the following objectives:

• Review current state-of-the-art examples of transmedial interactions in entertainment computing, especially video games
• Survey the technical infrastructure needed for transmedial interactions in digital games (e.g., feedback, adaptivity, etc.)
• Understand how the strength and weakness of different media channels shape player experiences during transmedial interactions
• Address business models for transmedial applications, including how they can earn additional revenue
• Construct design guidelines for transmedial interactions and determine the components needed for successful and seamless transmedial interaction design
• Consider evaluation criteria for transmedial interactions