Game On: Pioneering Human-Machine Teaming Research in Online Gaming Arenas

This manuscript explores the use of online gaming environments to enhance human-machine teaming (HMT) research. Traditional HMT studies often struggle with participant recruitment, engagement, and ecological validity. Leveraging platforms like Minecraft, we discuss the integration of gamification to boost engagement and retention, simulate complex team dynamics, and expand recruitment reach. A case study within DARPA’s ASIST program demonstrated successful participant recruitment and data collection using competitive gaming elements and other incentives. The findings highlight the potential of online games for robust HMT research, suggesting future studies to explore scalability, transferability of results, and the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators for optimal engagement.