Adaptivity And Games Cfp – 2

Call for papers for a conference on adaptive approaches to player satisfaction and games. And yes our friends in Coleraine are involved.

**** CALL FOR PAPERS

We would like to invite paper submissions for the Workshop on “Adaptive Approaches for Optimizing Player Satisfaction in Computer and Physical Games” in conjunction with SAB’06: From Animals to Animats 9,(http://www.sab06.org), October 1st, Rome, Italy.

For further details, please visit the workshop’s web-page at:

http://www.mip.sdu.dk/~georgios/gamesWorkshop

Submitted papers will follow the SAB conference formatting guidelines and will not exceed 10 pages. Paper submission deadline: 1
May 2006.

We would also appreciate if you could distribute this message to other
interested parties.

Description:

The current state-of-the-art in intelligent game design using AI techniques is mainly focused on generating human-like and intelligent characters. Even though complex behaviours emerge through various adaptive learning techniques, there is generally little further analysis of whether these behaviours contribute to the satisfaction of the player. The implicit hypothesis motivating this research is that intelligent opponent behaviours enable the player to gain more satisfaction from the game. This hypothesis may well be true; however, since no notion of entertainment or enjoyment is explicitly defined, there is therefore few evidence that a specific opponent behaviour generates enjoyable games.

The focus of this workshop is on adaptive methodologies based on richer forms of human-machine interaction for augmenting gameplay experiences for the player. We want to encourage dialog among researchers in AI, human-computer interaction and psychology disciplines who investigate dissimilar methodologies for improving gameplay experiences. This workshop should yield an understanding of state-of-the-art approaches for capturing and augmenting player satisfaction in computer and physical (interactive) games.

Topics relevant to this workshop include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

– Adaptive learning for entertainment augmentation.
– Empirical approaches to entertainment modeling in games.
– Psychological approaches to entertainment capture.
– Player Modeling approaches for optimizing entertainment.
– Player-Game Interaction through biofeedback signals.

Important Dates
1 May 2006: Paper submissions
15 June 2005: Accept/reject decisions on submitted papers
1 August 2005: Submission of camera-ready papers
1 October 2006: Workshop date (Rome, Italy)

Organizing Committee
David W. Aha, Naval Research Laboratory (USA)
Bobby Bryant, The University of Texas at Austin (USA)
Darryl Charles, University of Ulster (UK)
Ian Lane Davis Mad Doc Software (USA)
John Hallam, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark) (Co-Chair) Daniel J. Livingstone, University of Paisley (UK) Alexander Nareyek, AI Center (Germany) Nilanjan Sarkar, Vanderbilt University (USA) Pieter Spronck, Universiteit Maastricht (Netherlands) Georgios N. Yannakakis, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark) (Co-Chair)

Adaptivity Conference

“Adaptive Approaches for Optimizing Player Satisfaction in Computer and Physical Games” in conjunction with SAB’06: From Animals to Animats 9,
(http://www.sab06.org), October 1st, Rome, Italy.

For further details, please visit the workshop’s web-page at:

http://www.mip.sdu.dk/~georgios/gamesWorkshop

Submitted papers will follow the SAB conference formatting guidelines and will not exceed 10 pages. Paper submission deadline: 1
May 2006.

Adaptivity And Games Cfp

Call for papers for a conference on adaptive approaches to player satisfaction and games. And yes our friends in Coleraine are involved.

**** CALL FOR PAPERS

We would like to invite paper submissions for the Workshop on “Adaptive Approaches for Optimizing Player Satisfaction in Computer and Physical Games” in conjunction with SAB’06: From Animals to Animats 9,(http://www.sab06.org), October 1st, Rome, Italy.

For further details, please visit the workshop’s web-page at:

http://www.mip.sdu.dk/~georgios/gamesWorkshop

Submitted papers will follow the SAB conference formatting guidelines and will not exceed 10 pages. Paper submission deadline: 1
May 2006.

We would also appreciate if you could distribute this message to other
interested parties.

Description:

The current state-of-the-art in intelligent game design using AI techniques is mainly focused on generating human-like and intelligent characters. Even though complex behaviours emerge through various adaptive learning techniques, there is generally little further analysis of whether these behaviours contribute to the satisfaction of the player. The implicit hypothesis motivating this research is that intelligent opponent behaviours enable the player to gain more satisfaction from the game. This hypothesis may well be true; however, since no notion of entertainment or enjoyment is explicitly defined, there is therefore few evidence that a specific opponent behaviour generates enjoyable games.

The focus of this workshop is on adaptive methodologies based on richer forms of human-machine interaction for augmenting gameplay experiences for the player. We want to encourage dialog among researchers in AI, human-computer interaction and psychology disciplines who investigate dissimilar methodologies for improving gameplay experiences. This workshop should yield an understanding of state-of-the-art approaches for capturing and augmenting player satisfaction in computer and physical (interactive) games.

Topics relevant to this workshop include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

– Adaptive learning for entertainment augmentation.
– Empirical approaches to entertainment modeling in games.
– Psychological approaches to entertainment capture.
– Player Modeling approaches for optimizing entertainment.
– Player-Game Interaction through biofeedback signals.

Important Dates
1 May 2006: Paper submissions
15 June 2005: Accept/reject decisions on submitted papers
1 August 2005: Submission of camera-ready papers
1 October 2006: Workshop date (Rome, Italy)

Organizing Committee
David W. Aha, Naval Research Laboratory (USA)
Bobby Bryant, The University of Texas at Austin (USA)
Darryl Charles, University of Ulster (UK)
Ian Lane Davis Mad Doc Software (USA)
John Hallam, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark) (Co-Chair) Daniel J. Livingstone, University of Paisley (UK) Alexander Nareyek, AI Center (Germany) Nilanjan Sarkar, Vanderbilt University (USA) Pieter Spronck, Universiteit Maastricht (Netherlands) Georgios N. Yannakakis, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark) (Co-Chair)

Dit Game Developments – 2

Following the development of game related modules in the final year of the computer science degree last year (see under courses on gd.ie) DIT is hoping to offer a full games stream to third and fourth year students of their computer science degree from this Autumn, subject to validation. If this goes ahead it will be the first computer science degree with a specialisation in games in the Dublin area.

In addition DIT are hoping to host the cgames conference in early November 06. For more details on this conference, which has a strong focus on artificial intelligence, have a look at the conference website from last year at http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/~cm1822/cgames05.htm

Hope they involve some web designers in the organisation of the conference!!

More as soon as things are confirmed.

Media Education & Tech Cfp – 2

Just received a call for papers for a special issue of ‘Learning, Media and Technology’ on Media Education goes Digital which will be edited by David Buckingham (Institute of Education, London) and Sara Bragg (Open University).

*******

Digital technology has potentially far-reaching implications for media
educators.

For this special issue of Learning, Media and Technology incorporating Education, Communication and Information, we are seeking papers on the uses and potential of digital technologies for media education, at all levels from primary schools to universities.

Among other topics, we are interested in:
* teaching about computer games and the internet;
* the use of mobile technologies in media education;
* creative production in digital media;
* critical theories of digital technology and their implications for the
media curriculum;
* the relationship between media education and ICT as a school subject;
* informal learning and digital technology;
* new media, cultural capital and ‘digital divides’ in the classroom;
* youth, subjectivity and digital media.

The guest editors will consider abstracts received by 30th April 2006; and
the date for final submissions is 31st August 2006. Papers will be published in a Special Issue in mid-2007.

Please send abstracts to Trish Gladdis, clearly indicating that your submission is for the Special Issue. Email: lmteci@mmu.ac.uk

Dit Game Developments

Following the development of game related modules in the final year of the computer science degree last year (see under courses on gd.ie) DIT is hoping to offer a full games stream to third and fourth year students of their computer science degree from this Autumn, subject to validation. If this goes ahead it will be the first computer science degree with a specialisation in games in the Dublin area.

In addition DIT are hoping to host the cgames conference in early November 06. For more details on this conference, which has a strong focus on artificial intelligence, have a look at the conference website from last year at http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/~cm1822/cgames05.htm

Hope they involve some web designers in the organisation of the conference!!

More as soon as things are confirmed.

Media Education & Tech Cfp

Just received a call for papers for a special issue of ‘Learning, Media and Technology’ on Media Education goes Digital which will be edited by David Buckingham (Institute of Education, London) and Sara Bragg (Open University).

*******

Digital technology has potentially far-reaching implications for media
educators.

For this special issue of Learning, Media and Technology incorporating Education, Communication and Information, we are seeking papers on the uses and potential of digital technologies for media education, at all levels from primary schools to universities.

Among other topics, we are interested in:
* teaching about computer games and the internet;
* the use of mobile technologies in media education;
* creative production in digital media;
* critical theories of digital technology and their implications for the
media curriculum;
* the relationship between media education and ICT as a school subject;
* informal learning and digital technology;
* new media, cultural capital and ‘digital divides’ in the classroom;
* youth, subjectivity and digital media.

The guest editors will consider abstracts received by 30th April 2006; and
the date for final submissions is 31st August 2006. Papers will be published in a Special Issue in mid-2007.

Please send abstracts to Trish Gladdis, clearly indicating that your submission is for the Special Issue. Email: lmteci@mmu.ac.uk

Iia Forthcoming Events – 2

Upcoming events from the Irish Internet Association.

Making eCommerce Work – 16 February 2006 9.30 – 5pm Clonmel, Tipperary, Hotel Minella

The IIA is delighted to team up with South Tipperary County Enterprise Board to present this high profile, one day event. This seminar will show you what domain name to select, how to develop content that is designed to appeal to users and search engines. You will learn how to develop a strategic online marketing plan and learn how to enable your site for e-commerce.

Hotel Minella : http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/minella
South Tipperary County Enterprise Board: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/shouthtip
To book or for more information go to: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event81

Web 2.0 – What does it mean? – 21 February 2006 18:30 – 20.00 Dublin, The Morgan Hotel

The Irish Internet Association and bloggers, IrishDev.com hold their first joint-event of 2006, at the Morgan Hotel.

Morgan Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/morgan
IrishDev: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/irishdev
For more information or to book: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event81

Everything you ever wanted to know about blogging – 8 March 2006 14:00 – Dublin, Hilton Hotel

One of Ireland’s most respected and active bloggers, Michele Neylon will present a ½ day seminar, at the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, on everything you need to know about blogging. If you are a novice, a regular blogger wanting to improve what you do or interested in adding blogs to your company’s marketing mix then this is for you. Places are strictly limited to the first 30 people who book. To book or for more information

Hilton Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/hilton
Michele Neylon: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/mneylon
To book or for more information: href=”http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event83

The Internet is Crap and will not survive – 30 March 2006 18:30 – Dublin, Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place.

The first our new Internet Debate Series will take place at the Hilton Hotel Charlemont Place, on 30th March.
It is intended to be a social and fun event and we are looking for speakers, participants and hecklers! All will be welcome and there will be a nominal cover charge to cover costs. Contact us at events@iia.ie for more details or to volunteer yourself or a colleague for a speaking slot.

Hilton Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/hilton
Volunteer: href=”http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event85

Iia Forthcoming Events

Upcoming events from the Irish Internet Association.

Making eCommerce Work – 16 February 2006 9.30 – 5pm Clonmel, Tipperary, Hotel Minella

The IIA is delighted to team up with South Tipperary County Enterprise Board to present this high profile, one day event. This seminar will show you what domain name to select, how to develop content that is designed to appeal to users and search engines. You will learn how to develop a strategic online marketing plan and learn how to enable your site for e-commerce.

Hotel Minella : http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/minella
South Tipperary County Enterprise Board: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/shouthtip
To book or for more information go to: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event81

Web 2.0 – What does it mean? – 21 February 2006 18:30 – 20.00 Dublin, The Morgan Hotel

The Irish Internet Association and bloggers, IrishDev.com hold their first joint-event of 2006, at the Morgan Hotel.

Morgan Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/morgan
IrishDev: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/irishdev
For more information or to book: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event81

Everything you ever wanted to know about blogging – 8 March 2006 14:00 – Dublin, Hilton Hotel

One of Ireland’s most respected and active bloggers, Michele Neylon will present a ½ day seminar, at the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, on everything you need to know about blogging. If you are a novice, a regular blogger wanting to improve what you do or interested in adding blogs to your company’s marketing mix then this is for you. Places are strictly limited to the first 30 people who book. To book or for more information

Hilton Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/hilton
Michele Neylon: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/mneylon
To book or for more information: href=”http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event83

The Internet is Crap and will not survive – 30 March 2006 18:30 – Dublin, Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place.

The first our new Internet Debate Series will take place at the Hilton Hotel Charlemont Place, on 30th March.
It is intended to be a social and fun event and we are looking for speakers, participants and hecklers! All will be welcome and there will be a nominal cover charge to cover costs. Contact us at events@iia.ie for more details or to volunteer yourself or a colleague for a speaking slot.

Hilton Hotel: http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/hilton
Volunteer: href=”http://iia.chtah.com/a/tBD8aooAbbNMLAcufeiAbc-cih3/event85

Dcu Games Talks

Talks by Tony Kelly of Torc Interactive on Tues, Feb. 28th in DCU, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.

These talks are part of a week of events run by the Red Brick society from Feb 27th to March 3rd and will include a whole host of other speakers, workshops and events etc.

All events are open to the general public.

More details to come.

or ask gizmo on the boards for details.

Lyit Games Seminar

Lunchtime Seminar at Letterkenny IT

Letterkenny Institute of Technology is hosting a series of seminars on Computing and Information Technology topics. These seminars are held in the Business Development Centre at the Institute, and are free of charge to the public. The fourth in the series of seminars is on the global computer games industry and the Irish industry

“Knowing Your Audience: Understanding gameplayers and gameplay”

By Dr. Aphra Kerr, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the National University of Ireland Maynooth. Her book ‘The Business and Culture of Digital Games. GameWork/Gameplay’ is forthcoming from Sage Publications.

The seminar will take place on Monday, 27th February 2006, from 12.45 – 1.45 pm in the BDC at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

One of the key challenges for game designers and third party developers is to know and understand gameplayers, gameplay and play contexts. This talk will argue that we need to go beyond individual designer preferences and biases to begin to understand differences between markets, platforms, players and games if Irish companies are to succeed in the international market place.

This will be of interest to staff and members of the public involved in the Computer Games Industry.

Admission is free.

The next seminar on the schedule is Professor Paul McKevitt of University of Ulster.

For further information contact Dr Averil Meehan at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, email averil.meehan@lyit.ie or phone 074 9186361.

Dare Dates – 2

While the full official annoucement has still to be made the following are the unofficial dates for the Dare to be Digital competition 2006.

Dare dates:

Closing date for applications – Easter Monday, the 17th of April 2006

Interview date -Scotland-Thursday 4th May

Dates of competition – Monday 12th June to Friday 18th August 2006

Judging – thursday 17th August

Full details will be provided here on gd.ie as soon as the official announcement is made.

In the meantime we are trying to highlight threads from last year in the forums so people can benefit from the experience of past participants and judges.

Dare Dates

While the full official annoucement has still to be made the following are the unofficial dates for the Dare to be Digital competition 2006.

Dare dates:

Closing date for applications – Easter Monday, the 17th of April 2006

Interview date -Scotland-Thursday 4th May

Dates of competition – Monday 12th June to Friday 18th August 2006

Judging – thursday 17th August

Full details will be provided here on gd.ie as soon as the official announcement is made.

In the meantime we are trying to highlight threads from last year in the forums so people can benefit from the experience of past participants and judges.

Casual Games Conference

Feb 7-9th Feb

Location: Amsterdam

Casual games including speakers from PopCap..

See http://europe.casuality.org/html/index.htm