4 research outputs found
Group emotion modelling and the use of middleware for virtual crowds in video-games
In this paper we discuss the use of crowd
simulation in video-games to augment their realism. Using
previous works on emotion modelling and virtual crowds we
define a game world in an urban context. To achieve that, we
explore a biologically inspired human emotion model,
investigate the formation of groups in crowds, and examine
the use of physics middleware for crowds. Furthermore, we
assess the realism and computational performance of the
proposed approach. Our system runs at interactive frame-rate
and can generate large crowds which demonstrate complex
behaviour
From individual characters to large crowds: augmenting the believability of open-world games through exploring social emotion in pedestrian groups
Crowds of non-player characters improve the game-play experiences of open-world video-games. Grouping is a common phenomenon of crowds and plays an important role in crowd behaviour. Recent crowd simulation research focuses on group modelling in pedestrian crowds and game-designers have argued that the design of non-player characters should capture and exploit the relationship between characters. The concepts of social groups and inter-character relationships are not new in social psychology, and on-going work addresses the social life of emotions and its behavioural consequences on individuals and groups alike. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of current research in social psychology, and to use the findings as a source of inspiration to design a social network of non-player characters, with application to the problem of group modelling in simulated crowds in computer games
Attack on the clones: managing player perceptions of visual variety and believability in video game crowds
Crowds of non-player characters are increasingly common in contemporary video games. It is often the case that individual models are re-used, lowering visual variety in the crowd and potentially affecting realism and believability. This paper explores a number of approaches to increase visual diversity in large game crowds, and discusses a procedural solution for generating diverse non-player character models. This is evaluated using mixed methods, including a “clone spotting” activity and measurement of impact on computational overheads, in order to present a multi-faceted and adjustable solution to increase believability and variety in video game crowds
Agent-based crowd simulation in airports using games technology
We adapt popular video-games technology for an agent-based crowd simulation framework in an airport terminal. To achieve this, we investigate game technology, crowd simulation and the unique traits of airports. Our findings are implemented in a virtual airport environment that exploits a scalable layered intelligence technique in combination with physics middleware and a social force approach for crowd simulation. Our experiments show that
the framework runs at interactive frame-rate and evaluate the scalability with increasing number of agents demonstrating event triggered airport behaviour