Observing Multiplayer Boardgame Play at a Distance

Rogerson, Melissa J. and Newn, Joshua and Singh, Ronal and Baillie, Emma and Papasimeon, Michael and Benke, Lyndon and Miller, Tim (2021) Observing Multiplayer Boardgame Play at a Distance. In: CHI PLAY '21: Extended Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play :. CHI PLAY 2021 - Extended Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play . ACM, New York, pp. 262-267. ISBN 9781450383561

Abstract

More than 18 months after it was first identified, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to restrict researchers' opportunities to conduct research in face-to-face settings. This affects studies requiring participants to be co-located, such as those that examine the play of multiplayer boardgames. We present two methods for observing the play of boardgames at a distance, supported by two case studies. We report on the value and use of both methods, and reflect on five core concepts that we observed during the studies: data collection and analysis, recruitment and participation, the temporality of play, the sociality of play and material engagement, and the researcher's role in the study. This work highlights the different considerations that online studies generate when compared to in-person play and other study methods. Future work will present an in-depth discussion of the findings of these studies and present recommendations for the adoption of these distinct methods.