Harvard University

And then they died: Using Action Sequences for Data Driven, Context Aware Gameplay Analysis

A novel mixed-methods framework integrates sequence analysis with interactive behavior analytics to provide a scalable, context-aware approach to gameplay evaluation.

• The proposed mixed-methods framework bridges the gap between high-level quantitative telemetry and qualitative observation by abstracting raw player data into actionable, context-aware behavioral sequences.
• The methodology utilizes a human-in-the-loop approach to improve inter-rater reliability, significantly reducing the subjectivity inherent in traditional manual annotation processes.
• Analysis of Defense of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2) demonstrates that the framework successfully identifies distinct strategic shifts, such as early-game focus on neutralizing carry heroes versus late-game prioritization of objective control.