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Heran Zhou_Thesis .pdf (1.52 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Invigorate a vital part of the digital world: designing play activities with digital animals

Zhou, Heran
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658311635802451

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Fine Arts, Ohio State University, Design.
In video games, interactions with digital animals remains an underdeveloped area, as animals are often portrayed as monsters and food sources—to kill and harvest—without allowing players to behave otherwise. As a response, this thesis investigates how to design play activities with digital animals through the creation of a video game about fish migration, with special focus on player-fish interactions. A game AI technique known as behavioral animation is used to create seemingly intelligent fish that players can play with. The thesis also reviews and analyzes examples of realistic digital animals to showcase them as an important part of virtual game worlds and their capability to make players emotionally invested. To achieve the goal of designing play activities with digital animals, the thesis project has first created seemingly intelligent fish that autonomously move towards their destination, while sticking together with the group, avoiding obstacles, and running away when detecting predators. On that foundation, the player can play with the fish by leading them to explore the water environment, pushing them upstream against strong currents, and directing them to form the shape of a big fish to swim swiftly away from predators.
Matthew Lewis (Advisor)
Scott Swearingen (Committee Member)
Suzanne Gray (Committee Member)
82 p.
Design
design digital animals, play with digital animals, playable particle effects, fish school formation, realistic digital animals, animating a group formation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zhou, H. (2022). Invigorate a vital part of the digital world: designing play activities with digital animals [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658311635802451

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zhou, Heran. Invigorate a vital part of the digital world: designing play activities with digital animals. 2022. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658311635802451.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zhou, Heran. "Invigorate a vital part of the digital world: designing play activities with digital animals." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658311635802451

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1658311635802451
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.