Integrating and Inspecting Combined Behavioral Profiling and Social Network Models in Destiny

Abstract

In this paper two key venues of investigation in game analytics are combined: behavioral profiling and social network analysis. Both venues of research are well developed but combined they permit pattern evaluation across player performance and networks. Here, competitive networks covering almost 3.5 million players of the hybrid online shooter game Destiny are developed and combined with behavioral profiles based on match performance metrics and defined using archetypal analysis. The profiles are embedded in the networks along with other performance indicators for Destiny players. The social behavior of different archetypes is described. Network visualizations are presented which target the problem of making dense networked results actionable.

Social Aspects of the Game Development Process in the Global Gam Jam

“…Recently, authors have found application in social network analysis of online multi-player games to identify and investigate social communities, to identify cheaters, or recommend match partners [6,7,22,31,38,39] and to investigate the impact of social aspects on in-game behavior, game performance, engagement, and retention [33] in games and multi-user environments such as Ωorld of Ωar-craft, Second Life, or Destiny. Especially correlations between social network metrics and behavioral features or performance measures have been shown as valuable tools to utilize social network analysis [12,29,33].…”

“…Especially correlations between social network metrics and behavioral features or performance measures have been shown as valuable tools to utilize social network analysis [12,29,33]. In [33], for example, the authors show correlations between strong social connections and collaborations, and in-game performance and engagement. Ωhile authors have shed light on social structures within online games through social network analysis, the use of this method to analyze the game development process is barely covered yet.…”

Inside the Group: Investigating Social Structures in Player Groups and Their Influence on Activity

“…Social relationships formed within and through online multiplayer games influence the engagement and user experience of players [1], [2]. Moreover, social relationships in games are essential drivers of retention and monetization in games [3], [4]. The facilitation and management of player communities and the connections between players is an important part of maintaining a healthy player base for a game and is vital for the survival of online multi-player games, which rely on a persistent presence [3], [4], [5], [6].…”

“…Moreover, social relationships in games are essential drivers of retention and monetization in games [3], [4]. The facilitation and management of player communities and the connections between players is an important part of maintaining a healthy player base for a game and is vital for the survival of online multi-player games, which rely on a persistent presence [3], [4], [5], [6]. Building an understanding of how social connections are formed across such platforms -whether they are provided as part of a game or game distribution network or have grown around a game -and how connections can foster engagement, retention, or promote particular behaviors (e.g., to reduce toxicity among community members [7]), can thus offer actionable insights for companies to achieve this goal.…”

“…They actively seek to assist players in finding like-minded people to play with and thus in building and maintaining long-term social relationships in and around games. Social networks of grouping or matchmaking features, thirdparty services, or similar can be analyzed through the adoption of social network analysis (SNA) techniques combined with machine learning of contextual data such as demographic, self-report, and behavioral telemetry (e.g., [4], [6], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]). SNA can hence be used as a foundation for investigating player interactions and relationships.…”