Adding simple simulations to video games to improve realism

<p>In this paper a method of enhancing the realism of certain computer game types, particularly First Person Shooter games, is explored by attempting to include intelligent neutral background characters to the game environment. This method also requires that the inclusion of these background characters will not adversely affect the performance of a game by drastically increasing the computational complexity of the game. A simulation was created to show how this can be done using a group of intelligent agents based in a simulated world, and a simplified system of norms designed to influence the agents’ behavior. The agents are designed to interact with each other and other objects in their virtual world, in a fashion that could be considered human-like. To show the validity of this method, the simulation was designed to be minimally resource intensive. Furthermore, extensive tests were performed using a variety of initial starting values for various aspects of the simulation, to show that the simulation, and thus the method, can sustain itself long enough to provide an improvement to a gaming environment. The results of the tests are discussed at length, as well as theories as to how this method could be used successfully in computer gaming.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Computer Science

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Kinnaird-Heether, Leonard

Contributors dc:contributor

• Matthew Evett, Ph.D., Chair
• Susan Haynes, Ph.D.
• William Sverdlik, Ph. D.

• Intelligent agents (Computer software)
• Computer games Programming
• Computer games Design
• Computer Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/198

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1197