The Use and Analysis of Finite State Machines (SDM) in Role-Playing Games (RPG): An Experimental Research

Year 2024, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 26 - 43, 30.06.2024

Burak Şahin , Hakan Aydın , Zafer Güney , Yüksel Bal

Abstract

The role-playing game (RPG) genre is a type of computer game where players can play imaginary characters and embark on adventures in a fictional world. The finite state machine (SDM) is a mathematical model used in computer science and automation systems. This model is also used in computer game technologies, especially to regulate and manage the behavior of game characters. In this research, it is aimed to analyze the effects of the SDM model by revealing the use of the SDM model in regulating the behavior of the game characters in the RPG game (VR-SDM-GAME) developed using the ScriptableObject architecture. Unity game engine, ScriptableObject architecture, C# programming language, SDM libraries, Ray Casting technology and graphic design tools were used in the development of VR-SDM-GAME. The results obtained in the study support that the SDM model functions as a powerful tool to successfully manage the behavior of game characters in the RPG game genre. It is considered that this research will contribute to the field of computer game technology in the context of the use of SDM model in RPG games.

Keywords

RPG Game, Finite State Machine (SDM), ScriptableObject Architecture

Rol Yapma Oyunlarında (RYO) Sonlu Durum Makinelerinin (SDM) Kullanımı ve Analizi: Bir Deneysel Araştırma

Abstract

Rol yapma oyun (RYO) türü, oyuncuların hayali karakterleri canlandırabildiği ve kurgusal bir dünyada maceralara atılabildiği bir bilgisayar oyun türüdür. Sonlu durum makinesi (SDM), bilgisayar bilimlerinde ve otomasyon sistemlerinde kullanılan matematiksel bir modeldir. Bu model aynı zamanda bilgisayar oyun teknolojilerinde, özellikle oyun karakterlerinin davranışlarını düzenlemek ve yönetmek için kullanılmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, ScriptableObject mimarisi kullanarak geliştirilen RYO oyununda (VR-SDM-GAME) oyun karakterlerinin davranışlarını düzenlemekte SDM modelinin kullanımının ortaya konarak etkilerinin deneysel çalışmalarla analiz edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. VR-SDM-GAME’in geliştirilmesinde Unity oyun motoru, ScriptableObject mimarisi, C# programlama dili, SDM kütüphaneleri, Ray Casting teknolojisi ve grafik tasarım araçları kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlar RYO oyun türünde SDM modelinin oyun karakterlerinin davranışlarını başarılı bir şekilde yönetmek için güçlü bir araç olarak işlev gördüğünü desteklemektedir. Bu araştırmanın, RYO oyunlarında SDM modelinin kullanımı bağlamında bilgisayar oyun teknolojisi alanına katkı sağlayacağı değerlendirilmektedir.

Keywords

RYO Oyunu, Sonlu Durum Makinesi (SDM), ScriptableObject Mimarisi

References

• Hakkarainen, H., & Stenros, J. (2003). The Meilahti school: Thoughts on role-playing. As Larp Grows Up–Theory and Methods in Larp. Copenhagen: Knudepunkt, 54-54.
• Statistica Role Playing Games- Worldwide Report, 2023. (RYO Oyunları Raporu) (https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/app/gam es/role-playing-games/worldwide).
• Jagdale, D. (2021). Finite state machine in game development. algorithms, 10(1).
• Jiang, X., Safaei, F., & Boustead, P. (2007). An approach to achieve scalability through a structured peer-to-peer network for massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Computer Communications, 30(16), 3075-3084.
• Li, S. G., & Kuo, X. (2007). The enhanced quality function deployment for developing virtual items in massive multiplayer online role playing games. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 53(4), 628- 641.
• Cole, H., & Griffiths, M. D. (2007). Social interactions in massively multiplayer online role-playing gamers. Cyberpsychology & behavior, 10(4), 575-583.
• Chen, H., Mori, Y., & Matsuba, I. (2014). Solving the balance problem of massively multiplayer online role-playing games using coevolutionary programming. Applied Soft Computing, 18, 1-11.
• Badrinarayanan, V. A., Sierra, J. J., & Martin, K. M. (2015). A dual identification framework of online multiplayer video games: The case of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Journal of Business Research, 68(5), 1045-1052.
• Le Pira, M., Marcucci, E., & Gatta, V. (2017). Roleplaying games as a mean to validate agent-based models: An application to stakeholder-driven urban freight transport policy-making. Transportation Research Procedia, 27, 404-411.
• Bacchini, D., De Angelis, G., & Fanara, A. (2017). Identity formation in adolescent and emerging adult regular players of massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPG). Computers in Human Behavior, 73, 191-199.
• Solihin, A., Hidayat, E. W., & Aldya, A. P. (2019). Application of the finite state machine algorithm on 2D platformer rabbit games vs zombies. Jurnal Online Informatika, 4(1), 33-38.
• Reer, F., & Krämer, N. C. (2019). Are online roleplaying games more social than multiplayer firstperson shooters? Investigating how online gamers’ motivations and playing habits are related to social capital acquisition and social support. Entertainment Computing, 29, 1-9.
• Černý, J., Bosanský, B., & An, B. (2020, July). Finite state machines play extensive-form games. In Proceedings of the 21st ACM Conference on Economics and Computation (pp. 509-533).
• Adegun, A., Ogundokun, R. O., Ogbonyomi, S., & Sadiku, P. O. (2020). Design and implementation of an intelligent gaming agent using A* algorithm and finite state machines. Int J Eng Res Technol. ISSN, 0974-3154.
• Andrea, R., & SeftyWijayanti, N. (2021). Finite state machine model in jungle adventure game an introduction to survival skills. Int J Infor Eng Electr Business (IJIEEB), 13(4), 55-61.
• Aydın, A. M., Kılıç, H., & Güran, A. (2023). A player reputation system based on belief formation among Non-Player character societies in Open-World RolePlaying games. Entertainment Computing, 46, 100565.
• Wu, S. L., & Hsu, C. P. (2018). Role of authenticity in massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs): Determinants of virtual item purchase intention. Journal of Business Research, 92, 242- 249.
• Hitchens, M., & Drachen, A. (2008). The many faces of role-playing games. International journal of roleplaying, (1), 3-21.
• White, W. J., Arjoranta, J., Hitchens, M., Peterson, J., Torner, E., & Walton, J. (2018). Tabletop role-playing games. Role-playing game studies: Transmedia foundations, 63-86.