Article Preview
TopIntroduction
The concept of GameCoachTM was initiated by Play2Improve Limited in 2009 through the development of a short 3D training simulation for using infrared (IR) thermal imaging cameras. Real-time coaching technology was used “to provide instant feedback and advice throughout the gaming experience; learning to performance improvement in the correct usage and procedure of these expensive IR cameras” (Play2Improve, 2010). The concept and technology of game coaching was further expanded into commercial game design, specifically in the design of first-person shooter (FPS). FPS is a subgenre of action games whose primary challenge is shooting in the game world that is displayed from the first-person perspective (Adams, 2010). FPS games, such as the Call of Duty series, were claimed to be the most commercially viable game genre (Ingham, 2009).
While tens of millions of players have enjoying the experience of engaging themselves in single-player mode of FPS games, many of them were haunted when they moved on to online multiplayer mode, due to the imbalance playing experience between novice and veteran online FPS players. Conventional in-game tutorial systems and off-game strategy guides were found insufficient for players to overcome the steep learning curve in coping with the change from competing with predetermined non-player characters and bots which are artificially intelligent (AI) opponents in single-player mode (Adams, 2010), to competing with human players in online multiplayer mode. This phenomenon inspired Play2Improve to turn the GameCoachTM technology into a coaching solution for FPS players, hence the genesis of FPS Trainer (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. A screenshot of FPS Trainer (© 2010 Play2Improve. Used with permission).
According to the chief executive officer (CEO) of Play2Improve (2011), “the objective of the game is for players to rapidly improve their FPS skills based on sound training principles, in order to become more competitive at any online multiplayer FPS, such as Quake Live, Halo and Call of Duty. Skills will be directly transferable from our game to other FPS’s.” The design of the coaching system incorporated dynamic artificial intelligence programming (Policarpo, Urbano, & Loureiro 2009), principles of instructional design (Dick, Carey, & Carey, 2008), and coaching ideologies in sport sciences.