*Revised Essay Proposal

How Audiovisual Affects Gameplay Experience 

A research essay proposal by

Wilson YS.FOO

for

Interactive Media Design Pathway

Level 6 Enquiry / Report / Essay (6FTC1075)

Assignment 1 of 3

The School of Creative Arts

Faculty of Science, Technology and Creative Arts

University of Hertfordshire, UK in partnership with
The One Academy, Malaysia.

Submitted on 30^th July, 2014

(561 Words)

Introduction:

The game industry in Malaysia is a saturated community. To develop a successful game which are able to compete globally is not merely based on the quality graphics and the interaction of the game. The hidden meanings of each layers in terms of graphics, audio and interaction have the ability to affect the game experience.

(55 words)

Research question:

Using semiotics to define the audiovisual of game.

Evaluate how immersion impacts the gameplay experience.
(15 words)

Research topic:

This essay will discuss on game experience using semiotics and immersion theories. The introduction will discuss about a brief idea of game and what considered as a good game experience. The argument will be formed using semiotics theories and explain how the audiovisual can create a better game experience. Besides that, the author will use immersion theory to explain how to make players immerse in a game as it is also a key concept to a better game experience.

(79 words)

Research scope:

The research gameplay experience will focus on two major platforms which are console and mobile platform. However, the author will trace back to the history of game and how game has evolved from the past. 

(35 words)

 

Relevance to personal practice:

This research paper is related to the final project of the author which is a rhythmic strategy game developed in mobile. The final project is to be developed as a highscore based game where user have to follow the rhythm to survive the gameplay. However the interactivity still plays a major role in creating a better game experience for the users. Thus, this research paper will be relevant in parts as the author will be able to study more in depth on creating a better game experience for his users.  

The author also hopes the finding and research will be able to aid him in the future as he wanted to pursue a career in the interactive field.

(118 words)

Feasibility:

The feasibility of this research enquiry is moderate. The author has previously written an essay on Malaysia festive season video advertisements using semiotic analysis on Level 5. In this paper, the author will be using icons, symbols and signs from semiotics to identify the connotations of the icon of the UI (Chandler, 2014). Besides that, the author has researched on the concept of immersion written in the book of Remediation (Bolter, Grusin, 2000). The author will use the two major theories learnt and apply them on the essay proposed. 

(89 words)

Timeline:

JULY	WEEK 9 – DRAFT SUBMISSION/ FEEDBACK WEEK 10  - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
AUGUST	WEEK 12 – TUTORIAL 4 WEEK 13 – PROPOSAL FEEDBACK
SEPTEMBER	SEMBREAK – BLOG/ RESEARCH
OCTOBER	SEMBREAK – BLOG/ RESEARCH
NOVEMBER	WEEK 2 - TUTORIAL 5
DECEMBER	WEEK 5 – BLOG REVIEW WEEK 6 - BLOG SUBMISSION WEEK 9 – 1st DRAFT/ FEEDBACK
JANUARY	WEEK 10 - 2nd DRAFT/ FEEDBACK
FEBRUARY	WEEK 11 - FINAL DRAFT/ FEEDBACK WEEK 12 - SHARING SESSION WEEK 13 - SUBMISSION
MARCH	FEEDBACK

(74 words)

Bibliography:

Borsky, S. (2014). The Difference Between UI and UX | Design Shack. [online] Designshack.net. Available at: http://designshack.net/articles/graphics/the-difference-between-ui-and-ux/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

This website helps to clarify on the difference between the UI and UX.

Boulton, M. (2005). Icons, Symbols and a Semiotic Web | Journal | The Personal Disquiet of Mark Boulton. [online] Markboulton.co.uk. Available at: http://www.markboulton.co.uk/journal/icons-symbols-and-a-semiotic-web [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

This website provides insight on semiotic theories needed to use on the essay.

Southalabama.edu, (2014). adult learning theory. [online] Available at: http://www.southalabama.edu/oll/mobile/theory_workbook/communication.htm [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

This website provides clearer information about communication theory with diagram.

Visual-arts-cork.com, (2014). Modern Art: History, Characteristics, Movements. [online] Available at: http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/modern-art.htm [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

This website gives guidance on the art movements on HoMA.

Visual-memory.co.uk, (2014). Semiotics for Beginners: Modality and Representation. [online] Available at: http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/sem02a.html [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

Another website provides insights on semiotics.

Webdesigner Depot, (2014). UI vs UX: what’s the difference?. [online] Available at: http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2012/06/ui-vs-ux-whats-the-difference/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014].

This website helps to understand how UI and UX are related.

(63 words)

Additional references:

1. De Castell, S. and Jenson, J. (2007). Worlds in play. New York: Peter Lang, pp.37-51.
   This book gives me an understanding on the concept of immersion.
2. Gamestudies.org, (2008). Game Studies - Audio and Gameplay: An Analysis of PvP Battlegrounds in World of Warcraft. [online] Available at: http://gamestudies.org/0802/articles/jorgensen [Accessed 11 Dec. 2014].
   This journal gives me an understanding on how audio affects the gameplay.
3. Mahar, I. (2014). The Two Ways You Become Immersed in Video Games. [online] Kotaku. Available at: http://kotaku.com/5949897/the-two-ways-you-become-immersed-in-video-games [Accessed 11 Dec. 2014].
   This website helps me to understand how to create immersive video games.
4. Psychologytoday.com, (2014). Video Games: Do You Play Better With the Sound On or Off?. [online] Available at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-shapes-film/201402/video-games-do-you-play-better-the-sound-or [Accessed 11 Dec. 2014].
   This website helps me to understand the difference between playing a game with sound on and off.

(52 words)