Algebra : Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial dan Sains
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Algebra : Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial dan Sains

EXPLORING ONLINE COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF MACHINE LEARNING USE IN ADJUSTING GAME DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Mahesha Jenar Yushayahya (Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika)
Muhammad Rizky Dirwansyah (Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika)
Ilham Saputra (Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika)
Arya Farija Putra (Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika)
Muhammad Rezy Maulidiansyah (Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study aims to explore the online community's perception of the use of machine learning (ML) in dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) through computational text analysis. The use of ML in DDA has become an important area in game design due to its ability to increase engagement and personalize the gaming experience, but it has sparked debate regarding the fairness and transparency of the system. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach by analyzing 3,016 comments from the Reddit and Steam communities using sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and word frequency analysis techniques. The sentiment analysis results show a dominance of positive sentiment (63.8%), followed by negative sentiment (20.9%) and neutral sentiment (15.0%). Topic analysis identified five main themes: Gameplay & Difficulty Adjustment, General Enjoyment & Perception, Narrative Experience & Balance, Combat Mechanics & Fairness, and Technical Reflection & Suggestion. Word frequency analysis showed the community's focus on the balance between challenge (difficulty) and enjoyment (fun) in the gaming experience. The research findings indicate that the online community positively accepts the application of ML in DDA, with the important notes of system transparency, fairness of mechanisms, and balance between technical challenges and players' emotional satisfaction. This research contributes to interdisciplinary studies between game studies, artificial intelligence, and computational social science, and serves as a reference for game developers in designing adaptive systems that are technically effective and accepted by players.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ejournal

Publisher

Subject

Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Mathematics Neuroscience Physics Social Sciences Other

Description

Focus and Scope Algebra: Journal of Education, Social and Science focuses on interdisciplinary studies on the integration of education, social science, and science in improving the quality of education. Algebra: Journal of Education, Social and Science has a scope: Education Field Education ...