Research/ references

https://www.protopie.io/blog/game-ux-design

https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-5-royal-review

https://es.pinterest.com/fernandocomet/gamification/

https://uxcel.com/blog/how-to-write-a-ux-case-study-in-10-steps

https://www.justinmind.com/blog/user-persona-templates/

User research in games is often underestimated or overlooked, even though it plays a critical role in creating engaging and meaningful player experiences. Many development teams struggle to make actionable progress in this area due to several barriers, including misunderstandings about the gaming industry's unique nuances and requirements.

Below are four key reasons why development teams falter in games UX design and user experience research, followed by strategies to overcome these challenges.

Barriers to Effective Games UX Design and Research

1. Lack of Familiarity with Gaming
   • Teams without a deep understanding of gaming culture or mechanics may find it difficult to create intuitive designs that resonate with players. Without immersing themselves in the world of gaming, developers risk creating experiences that feel disjointed or fail to meet player expectations.
2. Neglecting the Emotional Aspect of Gaming
   • Games are not just about functionality; they are deeply emotional experiences. Developers often overlook how games make players feel, from the thrill of achieving rewards to the frustration of failure. Ignoring these emotional aspects can lead to a lack of engagement or emotional connection.
3. Underestimating the Importance of Designer’s Intent
   • A well-designed game requires alignment between the designer’s vision and the player’s experience. Development teams sometimes prioritize technical execution over ensuring that the gameplay reflects the intended narrative, themes, or emotional journey.
4. Challenges of the Secretive Nature of the Gaming Industry
   • Due to confidentiality agreements and highly competitive environments, conducting thorough user research can be challenging. Studios may hesitate to share early-stage concepts, limiting the feedback loop needed for iterative design improvements.

Strategies to Overcome These Hurdles

1. Immerse Yourself in the World of Gaming Through User Research Methods
   • Teams should actively engage with the gaming community and learn from player behaviors, preferences, and feedback.
   • Conduct qualitative research, such as player interviews, focus groups, or observational studies, to understand the target audience.
   • Playtest games frequently, both within the development team and with external users, to identify pain points and refine mechanics.
   • Analyze the player journey: What motivates players? What rewards do they seek? These insights can guide UX decisions.
2. Understand the Game Genre
   • Each genre has distinct player expectations. Research the mechanics, pacing, and emotional tone typical of the genre you are designing for.
   • Gather user feedback specific to the genre and align design decisions with the preferences of its audience.
3. User Research to Address Emotional UX Aspects
   • Incorporate methods like sentiment analysis or emotional mapping to gauge how players feel at different stages of the game.
   • Use personas and player archetypes to predict emotional responses and design gameplay that aligns with these.
   • Test for frustration points, moments of excitement, and overall satisfaction to ensure an emotionally cohesive experience.