Intuitive Interfaces Bridging the Divide between Digital and Analog Games MAJ Michael Martin US Army, Simulations Operations Old Dominion University 24 March 2010

Introduction The use of “intuitive interfaces” is a growing technological trend, which is reach wide commercial use, and has interesting potential for Wargaming. “Intuitive Interfaces” – computer interfaces, other than keyboard and mouse, which are typically easier and more natural to use. Digital -> Analog (Tabletop / Board games) Analog -> Digital

Digital to Analog Commercial pen and touch interfaces – PDA and tablet style devices. Apple achieves mass popularity and considerable interface advancements with the iPhone. iPod Touch and iPad (?) follow. – Refined interface – Popularized the concept Tablets and touchscreen laptops and computers become more available.

Digital to Analog iPhone – Multitouch – Gesture interface iPad – Laptop Sized – No Pen Microsoft Courier – Dual Screen – Pen & multitouch – Camera Microsoft Surface – Multitouch – Object Recognition – Table Sized – R.U.S.E - VideoVideo

Digital to Analog Console Games: – Wii Motion Controller – Play Station Move Camera Sensing Light Controller – Natal - videovideo Stereoscopic Camera Depth Sensing Menu Navigation Facial Recognition

Analog to Digital Queens University Canada – Human Media Lab – Projection on Board Games – VideoVideo Carnegie Mellon – Dungeons and Dragons on Microsoft Surface – VideoVideo Bastion Games – Ex-Illis

Analog to Digital Ex-Illis – Fantasy Miniature Wargame – Macro Game (large scale, abstract, movements) done on tabletop, with miniatures – Micro Game (combat resolution) done via a computer program, either on a computer or even an iPhone – Allows more detailed representation of individual entities (morale, fatigue, etc.) which are normally abstracted from board games – Obscures game mechanics

Conclusions Technological limitations have led Video Games and Board Games developing distinct identities, and distinct practices, which exploit their unique features to maximum benefit As those technological limitations begin to disappear, we should take care to pay close attention to what practices we can keep from each, and which should be “updated”.

Questions or Comments?