Research on game programming started almost immediately after the advent of computers, and numerous technological advances of search algorithms, planning, machine learning, and collaborative problem solving have been made with the aim of creating strong game-playing programs.
In particular, in the past few years there have been some significant
advances in Shogi and Go. In Shogi (Japanese chess), the development of
new search methods and research into the automatic tuning of evaluation
functions have resulted in programs with a playing strength similar to that
of professional shogi players. In Go, Monte-Carlo based approaches and
machine learning techniques have led to a drastic improvement in playing
strength. Also, many important technological advances have been achieved
in computational approaches to puzzles, table games, incomplete information
games, etc.
This annual workshop started in 1994 and has been an important venue for
researchers who are interested in various aspects of game programming.
This year, we solicit original papers offering novel contributions on topics
including (but not limited to):
- Game playing programs
- Algorithms for solving puzzles
- Programs for creating puzzles
- Cognitive science of game playing
- Learning game strategies
- Video games
- Games on the Internet
- Analysis of human behavior with game theory
- Multi-agent games (e.g. soccer)
- Analysis of game histories with computers
- Developing novel games with computers
- Computer architecture suitable for games
- Computer-aided game-skill development
Notes for participants from abroad:
- Typically, more than 90% of the presentations during the workshop will
be given in Japanese. We do accept and welcome English papers and presentations,
but some level of familiarity with Japanese will be required to fully appreciate
the workshop program.
