Abstract: "How much time will a player spend in an interactive scene? For
the majority of game scenarios this is impossible to predict. Therefore,
their musical accompaniment is usually disposed to continuously
loop until player interaction triggers a change. This approach
involves an existential danger: Sooner or later the player
becomes aware of the repetitive character of the ambience design;
the game scenario emerges as a mere mechanical arrangement and
loses much of its integrity.
In this survey paper we systematize and discuss the common approaches
to conceal musical repetition. Furthermore, we complement
them by a number of approaches that incorporate arrangement
techniques, aspects of expressive music performance, and generative
variation methods that work actively against repetitiveness."
"Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability and have been described as a "worldwide epidemic" [5]. Strokes cause disability, partial paralysis and leave up to 85% of their victims with some form of motor impairment. Stroke rehabilitation starts as soon as possible and involves repetitive movement which people find repetitive and boring. A study [1] has found that as few as 31% of people complete their exercises as recommended. Adding to this the high cost of one on one therapy and transport to see specialists, stroke rehabilitation is a major problem. Games have been trialed for stroke rehabilitation to increase patient motivation and reduce costs. This literature review aims to find out to what extent games have therapeutic value and further, what characteristics make a good game for stroke rehabilitation. We find that in order for a game to be successful it must be based on solid therapeutic principles as well as game design principles including "challenge" and "meaningful feedback". Different hardware and software can be used as long as it follows game design principles to encourage patients to perform therapeutic exercises. Games must also take into account the low morale of recent stroke victims and avoid discouraging beginners."