Intuitive InterfacesBridging the Divide between

Digital and Analog Games

MAJ Michael MartinUS Army, Simulations Operations

Old Dominion University24 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 - Video

Digital to Analog• Console Games:– Wii

• Motion Controller– Play Station Move

• Camera Sensing• Light• Controller

– Natal - video• Stereoscopic Camera• Depth Sensing• Menu Navigation• Facial Recognition

Analog to Digital

• Queens University Canada – Human Media Lab – Projection on Board Games – Video

• Carnegie Mellon – Dungeons and Dragons on Microsoft Surface – Video

• 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?