Analyzing the Impacts of Dynamic Game Balancing in a Survival Roguelike Chess Game

This research investigates the novel application of Dynamic Game Balancing (DGB) techniques in the context of a hybrid chess-survival roguelike game, a unique combination of genres not widely explored in previous studies. The study addresses two primary research questions: the identification of suitable DGB techniques for these genres and the enhancement of user experience through DGB. A game prototype was developed using Unity, where players control a chess knight in a turn-based system, facing increasingly challenging enemy pieces. The DGB system dynamically adjusts the game's difficulty based on player performance, utilizing various inputs such as damage received or dealt, health points, powerup usage, and decision speed. Preliminary results from 14 beta-testers show overall positive feedback, with players reporting higher engagement and enjoyment due to the seamless difficulty adjustments, as reflected by the high mean scores from surveys like the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). This research fills a gap in the literature by demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating DGB in a chess-survival roguelike setting. These findings highlight the potential for DGB to significantly improve player experience in hybrid game genres, suggesting that its application can create more adaptive and immersive gaming environments in various other genres as well.