Game Refinement Theory and Multiplayer Games: Case Study Using UNO

Game refinement theory has started to provide some interesting tools to measure sophistication of board games, sport games, and video games. In this paper, we apply game refinement theory to UNO R © card game, from which we identify valuable aspects regarding multiplayer and incomplete information game. Specifically, we analyze game refinement value zone of UNO and reveal recommended number of players to play. Furthermore, we compare the measure of enjoyment between the players. Experiments have been conducted by developing various computer player types and simulating about 1.4 million UNO games. Results show that critical states of the game and number of card played are the important factors and confirm that UNO is best to play with 4, 5, or 6 players. Furthermore, another result shows that the second last and the last player get the most enjoyment out of the game. Keywords—UNO card game; game refinement theory; multiplayer game; incomplete information game.