Spatial Play Effects in a Tangible Game with an F-Formation of Multiple Players

Jungmann, M., Cox, R. and Fitzpatrick, G.

Drawing on Kendon's F-formation framework of social interaction, we analysed the game-space activity of collocated players engaged in a tangible multiplayer game. Game input from groups of 3 players interacting competitively in a natural spatial arrangement via balance-boards requiring whole-body movements was logged and analysed quantitatively. The spatial analysis of a range of players' activities in game-space revealed synergistic effects combining perceptual-motor factors with game-strategy behaviour which were reflected in preferred game-board playing regions. The findings illustrate the importance for HCI designers of considering interactions between human spatial behaviour, physical space and virtual game-space as games become increasingly embodied and social.

Cite as: Jungmann, M., Cox, R. and Fitzpatrick, G. (2014). Spatial Play Effects in a Tangible Game with an F-Formation of Multiple Players. In Proc. Australasian User Interface Conference (AUIC 2014) Auckland, New Zealand. CRPIT, 150. Wunsche, B.C. and Marks, S. Eds., ACS. 57-66

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