Intuitive Interfaces Bridging the Divide between Digital and Analog Games MAJ Michael Martin US...
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Transcript of Intuitive Interfaces Bridging the Divide between Digital and Analog Games MAJ Michael Martin US...
Intuitive InterfacesBridging the Divide between
Digital and Analog Games
MAJ Michael MartinUS Army, Simulations Operations
Old Dominion University24 March 2010
Introduction
• The use of “intuitive interfaces” is a growing technological trend, which is reach wide commercial use, and has interesting potential for Wargaming.
• “Intuitive Interfaces” – computer interfaces, other than keyboard and mouse, which are typically easier and more natural to use.
• Digital -> Analog (Tabletop / Board games)• Analog -> Digital
Digital to Analog
• Commercial pen and touch interfaces – PDA and tablet style devices.
• Apple achieves mass popularity and considerable interface advancements with the iPhone. iPod Touch and iPad (?) follow. – Refined interface– Popularized the concept
• Tablets and touchscreen laptops and computers become more available.
Digital to Analog• iPhone
– Multitouch– Gesture interface
• iPad– Laptop Sized– No Pen
• Microsoft Courier– Dual Screen– Pen & multitouch– Camera
• Microsoft Surface– Multitouch– Object Recognition– Table Sized– R.U.S.E - Video
Digital to Analog• Console Games:– Wii
• Motion Controller– Play Station Move
• Camera Sensing• Light• Controller
– Natal - video• Stereoscopic Camera• Depth Sensing• Menu Navigation• Facial Recognition
Analog to Digital
• Queens University Canada – Human Media Lab – Projection on Board Games – Video
• Carnegie Mellon – Dungeons and Dragons on Microsoft Surface – Video
• Bastion Games – Ex-Illis
Analog to Digital
• Ex-Illis– Fantasy Miniature Wargame– Macro Game (large scale, abstract, movements) done
on tabletop, with miniatures– Micro Game (combat resolution) done via a computer
program, either on a computer or even an iPhone– Allows more detailed representation of individual
entities (morale, fatigue, etc.) which are normally abstracted from board games
– Obscures game mechanics
Conclusions
• Technological limitations have led Video Games and Board Games developing distinct identities, and distinct practices, which exploit their unique features to maximum benefit
• As those technological limitations begin to disappear, we should take care to pay close attention to what practices we can keep from each, and which should be “updated”.
Questions or Comments?