Our project period is two years, which we will divide into three parts: an
initial period devoted to the descriptive and analytical features of our
research, during which we work together to develop a shared understanding of
how to communicate light qualities, and a grasp of player tasks and goals
within existing games. The project will then progress into a stage in which we
explore game lighting options with our gamplay groups. This will take the form
of noting player responses to playing the same game under different
illumination conditions, as well as creating entirely new game worlds in which
to isolate a particular light element such as color or intensity. We will also
give our players the chance to design their own illumination environments. In
the final phase of the project we will focus on generalizing lighting design
principles and outlining new possibilities.
We anticipate finding a range of individual responses to simulated illumination,
but expect also to find larger patterns arising from gender differences and
perhaps age, specifically related to color and intensity of simulated light. We
also expect to be able to extract generalizable design principles, and will,
among other considerations, suggest finding ways for players to tailor the
illumination environments of games in ways that are meaningful for gameplay
within specific genres. As a multidisciplinary project, we are also open for
discoveries that are unexpected, that result from the bringing together of
different practices and competencies.