Sequence Mining Enables Player Profiling: A Case Study

To exemplify the use of sequence data, we'll use a case study to show the benefits of sequence analysis for Tom Clancy’s The Division, a game from Ubisoft Massive. We focus on why Ubisoft Massive chose to integrate action sequences in their player profiling work and the benefit of using such an approach.

Usage of clusters in modern games

In modern game development, it’s crucial that we place our players into groups or clusters that share specific traits. If we don’t do this, our ability to understand who the players are and how they play our games is hampered. The ability to profile players is vital because different groups of players react differently to the same stimulus and behave differently within the confines of the same game. Hence, we need to understand these differences so we can deliver the best possible user experience.

How does behavioral profiling help?

Today, major commercial titles can track hundreds, if not thousands, of behavioral metrics from each player on a continuous basis as they progress in a game. Such behavior trails can then be used to group players. Behavioral profiling has, thus, been introduced in recent years as a means for building an accurate and actionable grouping of players. Currently, a wealth of different models are being employed across academia and the industry to establish such clusters based on behaviors.