Dialogue-Based Evaluation of Interactions: Comparing Dialogue Robot and Dialogue AI in Cooperative Video Game

This study investigates how communication with AI or robots relates to players’ video game experiences, with a focus on physical embodiment, interactive communication methods, and the necessity of communication partners in different in-game scenes. We conducted experiments with 13 participants, comparing gameplay experiences across three conditions: playing alone, interacting with a dialogue AI (without physical embodiment), and interacting with a dialogue robot (with physical embodiment). As a result, Most of participants reported higher enjoyment in both dialogue conditions than when playing alone. Notably, the dialogue robot, which provided visual reactions alongside speech, was perceived as more familiar and enjoyable, particularly during non-combat scenes. These findings provide early exploratory design signals that physical embodiment and context-sensitive communication enhance the effectiveness of game partners.