Applying Game Mechanics to Networked Music HCI Systems

We discuss the use of game mechanics as a means to facilitate collaboration in networked music performances. We first look at core concepts of gaming and how these relate to musical creativity and performance. We offer an overview of various perspectives towards game mechanics and rule systems with examples from video games and musical practices. We then describe audiovisual software that we developed in order to study the integration of game-like elements and mechanics into networked music performance. Finally, we offer the results of a preliminary user study conducted using this system in private and public performance contexts. We observe that imposing various game mechanics upon a networked performance affects the nature of the musical collaboration as well as the audience’s attentiveness towards the performance.