Crafty: Dynamic vendor pricing in computer role-playing games

Dominic Gurto*, Malcolm Ryan, Alan Blair

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In traditional computer role-playing games (CRPGs), vendors are merchants who trade with players. Until now, these games have used vendors with static pricing or extremely simple pricing models, and this has hindered player immersion. In an effort to solve this problem, we present Crafty, a tool allowing developers to easily implement dynamic pricing mechanics for their games' vendors. Crafty studies player demand and chooses prices so as to maximise the profit. It thus allows CRPGs to be populated by vendors with intelligence, personality and intent, while requiring minimal effort by developers. Play-testing results show that players perceive such vendors more as fellow characters than as vending machines, improving the experience of the role-play.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2011
EditorsMarc Cavazza, Katherine Isbister, Charles Rich
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Pages286-288
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)9781450308045
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2011 - Bordeaux, France
Duration: 29 Jun 20111 Jul 2011

Other

Other6th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2011
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityBordeaux
Period29/06/111/07/11

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