Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Informative Sound and Performance
in a Team Based Computer Game
Patrick Ng, Keith Nesbitt, and Karen Blackmore
School of Design, Communication and Information Technology
University Of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
{Patrick.H.Ng,Keith.Nesbitt,Karen.Blackmore}@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract.
This study focuses on the role of sound in the popular multiplayer
online battle arena game, Dota 2. Our initial results indicate that team perfor-
mance improves with the use of sound. By contrast, some individuals per-
formed better with sound and some without.
Keywords:
Dota 2, Auditory Display, Auditory Icons, Earcons.
1
Introduction
For game developers, integrating informative sound has the potential to provide addi-
tional feedback to the player. In this paper we explore the relationship between sound
and performance by evaluating the role of sound in player performance in the multip-
layer online battle arena game, Dota 2.
Prior works within the field of auditory display have identified two key ways that
sound can be used to improve the functionality and efficiency of user feedback Gaver
described the design of 'Auditory Icons' in the interface, an approach that builds on
the everyday listening skills of users [1]. Blattner suggested an alternative means of
creating auditory messages called 'Earcons', that rely upon musical conventions such
as pitch, timbre and dynamics to communicate abstract information [2].
Research conducted on video game audio and performance has shown mixed re-
sults in regards to whether sound has a positive or negative impact on performance.
Tafalla reported that participants playing the game DOOM with the soundtrack scored
almost twice as many points to those playing without the sound [3]. In contrast, Ya-
mada et al found that the presence of music had a negative effect on performance [4].
Further studies into the effects of sound on performance levels have found that play-
ers perform the weakest when playing without sound while the highest scores were
obtained when playing with music unrelated to the game [5]. Each of these findings
suggest that sound could play a factor on players performance levels in games.
As information gathering plays an important task for players in most games, fur-
ther research is required to better understand the role sound plays in performance. To
this end, this preliminary study was conducted to examine the effects of informative
sound in a team based game. The main question we consider in this research is: “Can
sound be used to improve player performance in computer games?”
