Non verbal communication assisted serious gaming applications

The aim of this paper is to provide a brief review of research in the field of nonverbal communication as applied to 'serious gaming' applications. Serious games are designed with the primary purpose of applying simulation technologies to non-entertainment or 'serious' applications as opposed to solely entertainment applications. Although such applications may entertain, their primary purpose is to teach, train or investigate. One fine example is Microsoft Flight Simulator which has been used as the first step in training real pilots. Organizations are constantly intensifying their efforts to engage with their workforces and serious games offer a powerful approach to the training and skills development of a workforce. An overview of virtual environments shall be outlined, along with a study of the natural processes of communication that exist between individuals in a face to face environment. Examining such processes leaves us with a greater understanding of the nonverbal aspects of group dynamics that should be supported in serious gaming applications to provide for more enriched interactions. Through such richer interactions group members can be better equipped to collaborate, train and learn in these 'serious' simulations.