Using Game Theory Techniques and Concepts to Develop Proprietary Models for Use in Intelligent Games

Abstract

This work is about analyzing games as models of systems. The goal is to understand the techniques that have been used by game designers in the past, and to compare them to the study of mathematical game theory. Through the study of a system or concept a model often emerges that can effectively educate students about making intelligent decisions within that system or about that concept. The goal of this work is to develop a model called "intelligent games", using a combination of modern game design and traditional mathematical game theory. Educators and game designers can use such a model to create more complex, immersive, and reactive game environments for their players and students. As it stands many computer games are made up of a series of disparate parts. These parts are driven entirely by the interactions of the player or players. There have been a few games that have attempted to create game worlds that were composed of parts that all interacted with one another. The former attempts have met with widely varied results. Some of the most successful attempts, including the works of Will Wright, have grown from the study of mathematical game theory. This field has created numerous techniques for developing models for a variety of systems, such as models for economic behavior, or models for ecological systems. Though this work will be discussing a substantial range of mathematical game theory concepts, it is important to note it will not be working in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (the study and design of intelligent machines) or Artificial Life (the use of computer models, machines, or biochemistry to recreate and study the processes of life). The forms of game models selected for this work will focus on ones that are more systematic in their nature. The work will examine models of how the game world works, how the players interact with the game world, and how the players interact with one another. The work will analyze existing techniques and concepts that allow game developers to make informed decisions in their game designs. Computer game designers translate systems and concepts into models that can be run and managed by a computer. These models can then be used by the player to experience the concepts they were built upon. Microsoft Flight Simulator uses a model for the physics of flight that allows the computer user to experience what it is like to control a plane. The standard means by which computer games are analyzed focuses heavily on the entertainment value of said game. This manner of analysis tends to create a very large filter. This means that games are summarily judged as either "fun" or "boring." The field of game studies has begun to find numerous means by which to discuss and analyze games. This study will analyze what is specifically useful to viewing games as models for understanding systems. Through studying games by way of this specific filter the study develops a technique for decision making regarding the implementation of models within intelligent games. The end goal is to develop a model with which one can create intelligently designed games that would educate as well as engage the players. It is often said that games are about power. If knowledge is power, then intelligent games should seek to make the players feel empowered through knowledge of the system the game models. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]