A Computer Game for Abstract Argumentation

This paper reports our work concerning the development of a computer game for abstract argumentation. In particular, we discuss the dialogue protocol we have used to regulate players in making moves. We also discuss proposed strategies for a software agent to act as a game player. The computer game has been fully implemented, and enables human versus human, agent versus agent and human versus agent playing of the game. A user based evaluation has been undertaken, and suggests that the game is both challenging and entertaining and is easy to learn. It is anticipated that this work will contribute to the development of argumentative agents and of computer game based educational argument, and help to illuminate research issues in the field of argumentation systems.