Video Game Spectator Steven Drucker Microsoft Research
The Next Media Research Group Creating novel experiences for interacting with media. Steven M. Drucker Lead Researcher Next Media Research Group
Spectator (original concept video): Web community based on Spectator enabled games Voice / video chat is available through broadband connections. People would enjoy being able to go to any network based game to observe the action, meet friends in that space and chat. Highlights of popular games would be featured on a broadband/television show featuring exciting action from popular games and generating "fame" possibilities for expert players. Spectator capabilities would be enabled for most games allowing seamless movement to observe across a wide variety of game types. VIDEO
Spectator (automated game cameras): Realtime in-game cinematic camera control The first steps in realizing the bigger picture of Spectator was to develop in-game automated camera controls. Using the MechWarrior 4 codebase we implemented automated cameras with cinematography logic to create an exciting real time presentation of the action for an audience of non- gaming spectators. The result is a compelling view of live gaming that provides the foundation to further explore the deeper community experience possibilities for Spectator. VIDEO
Technical approaches for Spectator Video – Encode the one view of game in progress and broadcast that as streaming video Broadcast video of games in progress Requires second computer for encoding Requires fast connection Requires central server for rebroadcast Scalability issues Single choice of view Game machine Video Encoder Conventional encoding and streaming media technology can be used. No pre-distribution required Plays on simple media player No modification of source code Easily done PROSCONS
Technical approaches for Spectator (Game Engine) Distributed Game Engine Pre-Distribute spectator only game engine and selected content Broadcast game state data to players Broadcast to one client, cascade to others Use index server to locate free resources Game machine Index server Spectator Requires special purpose code for spectator engines Requires optimized platform for receiving games (already owned) Security concerns for distribution of content May requires central server for rebroadcast Scalability issues but easier to overcome Flexible game presentation (POV, replay, etc) High quality playback with low bandwidth May be best suited for Xbox business plan (advertising to people who already have the box) Pre-Distribution may be through magazine or online service PROSCONS
Preferred Approach (P2P fan out) 1. Individual game registers at central index server. 2. Spectators access index server to determine other spectators which are available to rebroadcast game data. 3. Optionally, a spectator master can be used for tournaments which can do analysis, optimization and stream information without peer-to-peer scheme. Index Server Optional Game Spectator Master Server
Questions? Steven Drucker