The arena of teamwork: The impact of stellate polygonal seating on multiplayer game performance

Geunyoung Kim

doi:10.7557/ejcgc.v16i2.8039

Authors

Geunyoung Kim Independent researcher https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2049-1532

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/ejcgc.v16i2.8039

Keywords:

multiplayer games, seating configurations, interactive communication, spatial dynamics, gaming performance, computer games, mobile games

Abstract

Multiplayer gaming highly depends on teamwork, making the spatial arrangement of players an important design factor. This study examines how two seating configurations—linear seating and stellate polygonal seating—affect multiplayer performance, communication, and overall collaborative experience. Twenty-four participants played in teams under both arrangements, followed by surveys from sixteen participants evaluating eight aspects of teamwork and interaction. While linear seating resulted in higher kill counts and thus stronger quantitative performance, players consistently rated stellate polygonal seating more positively, emphasizing its advantages for communication and team-centric engagement. These findings note the complex relationship between spatial layout and team effectiveness in gaming environments and suggest that optimal multiplayer setups require balancing functional performance with social and spatial dynamics. Future work should explore additional spatial variables that may further enhance collaborative gameplay.

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