Sound design has received little attention in location-based games research. Typically, existing prototypes heavily rely on visual information with sound only having a marginal role in the game design and development process. This paper investigates the role of sound as primary interface for conveying game information and creating engaging gaming experiences. As a case study, we present SoundPacman, a prototype location-based game, wherein players experience the game space with the use of 3D sounds, which augment the physical environment. Preliminary tests utilizing EEG analysis provide evidence that sound augmentation may significantly contribute towards enhancing the immersion levels of players.
This paper discusses the implementation of the pervasive game PacMap. Openness and portability have been the main design objectives for PacMap. We elaborate on programming techniques which may be applicable to a broad range of location-based games that involve the movement of virtual characters over map interfaces. In particular, we present techniques to execute shortest path algorithms on spatial environments bypassing the restrictions imposed by commercial mapping services. Last, we present ways to improve the movement and enhance the intelligence of virtual characters taking into consideration the actions and position of players in location-based games.
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