Crowd-pleaser: player perspectives of multiplayer dynamic difficulty adjustment in video games

© 2016 ACM. Multiplayer Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (MDDA) features are becoming increasingly common in competitive multiplayer video games as a means to balance challenge between differently-skilled players. However, without a thorough understanding of how MDDA design is perceived by players, it is difficult to predict how players may feel about its use. A mixed-methods approach combining an online survey and interviews was conducted with multiplayer game players to investigate player expectations regarding the effect of different components and attributes from the MDDA Framework on the play experience. As well as highlighting similarities and conflicts between the perspectives of low and high-performing players, patterns emerged demonstrating that players value control, personal benefit and awareness of MDDA use. Along with additional design considerations suggested, this led to the refinement of the MDDA Framework through the introduction of an 'Awareness' component.