Support Robots for Playing Games: The Role of Player-Actor Relationship

Abstract

The impact of simple support robots on computer game play is studied. Two physical agents, outside the computer screen, provide additional feedback to the user. The study incorporates an analysis of the game play in terms of rewards and punishment. Concepts and a realisation of the agents (hardware and software) are developed and used as an extension of an existing game. Emphasis is on the role of player-actor relationships. Trials conducted using the game support robots are reported.