Combining Search-Based Procedural Content Generation and Social Gaming in the Petalz Video Game

Authors

  • Sebastian Risi University of Central Florida
  • Joel Lehman University of Central Florida
  • David D'Ambrosio University of Central Florida
  • Ryan Hall University of Central Florida
  • Kenneth Stanley University of Central Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1609/aiide.v8i1.12502

Keywords:

Procedural Content Generation, Social Games, Evolutionary Algorithms, Neuroevolution

Abstract

Search-based procedural content generation methods allow video games to introduce new content continually, thereby engaging the player for a longer time while reducing the burden on developers. However, games so far have not explored the potential economic value of unique evolved artifacts. Building on this insight, this paper presents for the first time a Facebook game called Petalz in which players can share flowers they breed themselves with other players through a global marketplace. In particular, the market in this social game allows players to set the price of their evolved aesthetically-pleasing flowers in virtual currency. Furthermore, the transaction in which one player buys seeds from another creates a new social element that links the players in the transaction. The combination of unique user-generated content and social gaming in Petalz facilitates meaningful collaboration between users, positively influences the dynamics of the game, and opens new possibilities in digital entertainment.

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

Risi, S., Lehman, J., D’Ambrosio, D., Hall, R., & Stanley, K. (2021). Combining Search-Based Procedural Content Generation and Social Gaming in the Petalz Video Game. Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment, 8(1), 63-68. https://doi.org/10.1609/aiide.v8i1.12502