Dynamic difficulty adjustment in motion-dection-based games

Abstract

Given the global aging population, there is a greater need to encourage the elderly to live a more active lifestyle. Exercise video games have been investigated as a more enjoyable means to provide physical activity to the elderly, with positive responses from the elderly. However, the use of games with a static level of difficulty leaves open the possibility that a game with dynamic difficulty would be more effective at encouraging more exercise. This project aims to develop a motion detection exercise game with dynamic difficulty, then gauge the effectiveness of the game to encourage more exercise among its players. The response from the players suggests that while there may be some effect relating dynamic difficulty and long-term engagement, the current design of the dynamic difficulty system was not noticeable by a significant portion of players, leaving room for further refinement to determine a more conclusive effect.