This paper concerns a framework for building interactive speech-based language learning games. The core of the framework, the “dialogue manager,” controls the game procedure via a control script. The control script allows the developers to have easy access to the natural language process capabilities provided by six core building blocks. Using the framework, three games for Mandarin learning we...

This paper introduces a preliminary study on affective effects of Spoken Dialog-Based Language Learning Game (DB-LLG) currently under the development in our research group. DBLLG is an educational game designed for language learners to convey interactive conversations with in-game characters in interactive immersive environments, such as post office, library, shops, on the street, etc. Students...

Challenges of designing an educational game cause an ongoing debate that while one side proposes ludology as the key for a computer game, other side proposes narratology as the most important part of game environment. Ludologic attributes of games have been preferred more than narrative ones. However, results of studies attempted to reveal importance of narrative structures and storytelling for...

This paper discusses Tactical Iraqi, a video game developed at the University of Southern California with funding from the U.S. military that is designed to accelerate a learner’s acquisition of spoken Arabic to assist in the rapid deployment of soldiers into volatile tactical situations. This paper analyzes three distinct aspects of the Tactical Iraqi mission game: how “trust” is constituted i...

We introduce a technique for using conventional predicate abstraction methods to reduce the state-space of models produced using game semantics. We focus on an expressive procedural language that has both local store and local control, a language which enjoys a simple game-semantic model yet is expressive enough to allow non-trivial examples. Our compositional approach allows the verification o...

This paper presents a logical framework that extends the Game Description Language with coalition operators from Alternatingtime Temporal Logic and prioritised strategy connectives. Our semantics is built upon the standard state transition model. The new framework allows us to formalise van Benthem’s game-oriented principles in multiplayer games, and formally derive Weak Determinacy and Zermelo...

The features of video games that contribute to effective learning are drawing increasing attention in the world of technology enhanced learning. To date, game based learning has focussed on the learning benefits provided by the inherent motivation, rich visualizations, and low risk of failure, provided by contemporary educational games. Although these advantages create highly engaging and immer...

A longitudinal study of one child aged 2;5 documents an invented language game consisting of suffixal reduplication and onset replacement. Initially, reduplication is partial: the reduplicant enlarges in discrete increments over the five stages of the game until by the last stage reduplication is total. Reduplication is accompanied by a process of onset replacement, in which the reduplicant alw...

The article is devoted to the study of composite rhyming compounds as a means of word formation games. It explores the place of this category of words in the lexical system and peculiarities of their use in the Russian and English languages. Authors of the article represent compound words as a special lexical subgroup. On the specific publicistic material are revealed the peculiarities of compo...

As the graphical representation of computer games gradually becomes comparable to cinema, previously neglected nongraphical game aspects start to play an important role in maintaining believability of the game world. One such aspect is the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs), which should appear intelligent and purposeful in the ideal case or not completely stupid at the very least. A good...