Keywords

Computer Games, Game Technology, Complex Systems, Environmental Planning

Start Date

27-6-2018 3:40 PM

End Date

27-6-2018 5:00 PM

Abstract

The use of games and related technologies/infrastructure to promote an understanding of complex systems and aid planning is on the increase. This is not surprising as computer game worlds share many properties with complex systems, including many agents interacting in space over time, agent- and system-scale responses to events and the 3D visual representation of large, complex data sets depicting the system/world state. This presents a unique opportunity to exploit games and game technology characteristics such customisation, interactivity, aesthetics and optimisation. The type of game concepts and technology used in environmental planning tools will be determined by the background and commitment of the users. Different game concepts can be used ranging from sophisticated interactive visualisations of playable models through to prototype games with gameplay and mechanics to promote wider engagement and raise awareness of the issues

We present a diverse range of scientific models that employ game concepts and technologies to good effect and discuss the factors and decisions that contribute to success. Considering urban planning for the sustainable built environment, analysis of atmospheric pollution dispersal, regional planning for a sustainable water-energy-food nexus system, the problem of communicating and understanding complex (high-dimensionality) data within a spatio-temporal context is addressed. We demonstrate in each case that employing computer game technology is generally beneficial within the software development process and offers a route towards applications that promote good user engagement through aesthetically pleasing, intuitive and responsive interaction.

Stream and Session

C3: Get Your Game On: Use Serious Games to Model or Manage Natural Resources More Effectively

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Jun 27th, 3:40 PM Jun 27th, 5:00 PM

Playable Simulations: Use of Game Technology to support Environmental Planning

The use of games and related technologies/infrastructure to promote an understanding of complex systems and aid planning is on the increase. This is not surprising as computer game worlds share many properties with complex systems, including many agents interacting in space over time, agent- and system-scale responses to events and the 3D visual representation of large, complex data sets depicting the system/world state. This presents a unique opportunity to exploit games and game technology characteristics such customisation, interactivity, aesthetics and optimisation. The type of game concepts and technology used in environmental planning tools will be determined by the background and commitment of the users. Different game concepts can be used ranging from sophisticated interactive visualisations of playable models through to prototype games with gameplay and mechanics to promote wider engagement and raise awareness of the issues

We present a diverse range of scientific models that employ game concepts and technologies to good effect and discuss the factors and decisions that contribute to success. Considering urban planning for the sustainable built environment, analysis of atmospheric pollution dispersal, regional planning for a sustainable water-energy-food nexus system, the problem of communicating and understanding complex (high-dimensionality) data within a spatio-temporal context is addressed. We demonstrate in each case that employing computer game technology is generally beneficial within the software development process and offers a route towards applications that promote good user engagement through aesthetically pleasing, intuitive and responsive interaction.