Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.
Average team performance (3 expert teams)
Team Measure
Sound Off
Sound On
Total Gold Earned
62383.3
64331.7
85693.3
94206.7
Total Experience Points Earned
Hero Kills
35.7
37.8
Hero Deaths
7.1
7.4
3
Discussion
In this study we have undertaken a preliminary examination of the role of information
and sound in video games. Specifically, we looked at whether sound could offer im-
proved performance levels in the multiplayer online battle arena game, Dota 2. In our
preliminary experiment, we attempted to measure the difference in performance levels
by adding and removing sound from the gameplay. We tested both individual and
team performance levels in two different sound conditions (on and off) using seven
individual and four team measures. Our analysis of the initial results has shown mixed
results in terms of whether players and teams performance actually improved when
there is sound. While over half of the total individual comparative measures have
shown improved performance with sound, 58 displayed either no difference or a re-
duction in performance. We also found a similar pattern in team performance where 9
of the comparative measures displayed an increase with sound while 7 showed a re-
duction in performance. A post survey conducted after the experiment revealed that
18 of the 20 players felt that removing sound affected their performance negatively.
The next stage of our work will address some of the issues encountered with the
design of this preliminary study. We will focus on two expert teams who play an ex-
tended number of games against each other so that the additional data gathered might
highlight further significant differences in performance.
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