AI-Enhanced Tools for Cross-Cultural Game Design: Supporting Online Character Conceptualization and Collaborative Sketching

Yuanyuan Xu, Xinyang Shan, Yin-Shan Lin, Jinyin Wang

Abstract: In the context of globalization, game development teams are increasingly demonstrating cross-cultural diversity. However, existing tools often fail to adequately address the unique challenges of cross-cultural design, such as overcoming communication barriers and creative expression difficulties caused by cultural differences. This study explores a tool based on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics (AICG), specifically designed to assist game concept artists from diverse cultural backgrounds in role conceptualization and collaborative sketching, thus addressing the inadequacies in supporting cross-cultural collaboration. We conducted in-depth individual interviews with six designers from different cultural backgrounds in Vancouver to determine their needs. After the first two interviews, we presented a preliminary design prototype with potential practical features to support collaborative ideation. The final four interviews involved a heuristic evaluation of the design. This research revealed several challenges faced by cross-cultural game character designers during the co-creation process, including differences in cultural understanding, language barriers, and limitations in creative expression. We outlined the functionalities required for an online product design collaboration tool: an AICG-enhanced real-time collaborative sketchboard, features for cross-cultural visual analytics, and a hybrid (online and offline) cross-cultural visual repository. This study provides new insights into developing tools that support cross-cultural game concept creation.