There are two exciting topics for me: data mining and video games.
But what do they have to do with each other?
Data Mining
First, let’s talk about what Data Mining is. Data Mining is the set of techniques and technologies used to explore large databases, allowing for finding repetitive patterns to explain their behavior.
How do Data Mining is related to video games?
Through data mining, we know the users’ data, i.e., age, sex, console, and game preferences, among other characteristics. Something that until a few years ago was an unknown field for large companies (Nintendo, SEGA, Activision, among others). However, not only this information is collected with data mining.
“Through data mining, we know the users’ data, i.e., age, sex, console, and game preferences, among other characteristics.”
You’ll say, “Oh dear, oh dear, how’s that? Simple, with the data obtained during the games, ranging from the gamer’s skills to the game’s complexity, it is possible to improve performance, detect errors and even customize the experience for each player. Hence, all gamers will understand why there are so many updates for the game.
With the data obtained during the games, it is possible to improve performance, detect errors and even customize the experience for each player.
A clear example of the latter is Fortnite’s matchmaking, which takes care of matching users with similar skills, allowing newbies not to be pitted against building pros so that everyone can still enjoy the game experience.
Another example is what Nintendo is doing. They are not limiting themselves to just matching by skill; they are also making sure to match users within the same platform:
– Mobile/Nintendo Switch with Mobile/Nintendo Switch
– Consoles with consoles
– PC / console users with mouse and keyboard with PC / console users with mouse and keyboard.
This is just one example of what can be achieved with data mining. Still, data mining can also retrieve vital information players produce for decision-making, testing, design improvement, and research in the video game industry. So, for gamers like me, as well as creators, data mining in video games is a big win!
Written by Julieta Hernández
