Originally posted in my LinkedIn profile here
🔥 Crafting an outstanding user experience (UX) in a game isn’t just about creating lines of code and colorful visuals; it’s about immersing players in a world that resonates with their emotions and aspirations. Dos and don’ts on how to have an outstanding UX in games ↓
1. Usability and Accessibility
✅ Ensure controls are easy to grasp, making players feel like game masters.
✅ Provide options for different abilities and preferences, so everyone can play and enjoy.
❌ Don’t overload players with complicated controls – simplicity is key.
❌ Don’t forget about accessibility – everyone should be able to enjoy the game.
2. Clear Goals and Objectives
✅ Set clear missions, guiding players like adventure heroes.
✅ Give rewards for completing tasks, igniting the thrill of achievement.
❌ Don’t leave players wandering aimlessly without a clear direction.
❌ Don’t punish players for trying their best – rewards should be achievable.
3. Engaging Gameplay
✅ Make gameplay exciting, keeping players hooked like a captivating story.
✅ Challenge players, but not too much – keep them on their toes, not pulling out their hair!
❌ Don’t make the gameplay monotonous or overly frustrating.
❌ Don’t let boredom set in – keep things fresh and exciting.
4. Feedback and Responsiveness
✅ Celebrate victories with flashy visuals and triumphant sounds.
✅ Offer clear feedback for mistakes, helping players learn and grow.
❌ Don’t leave players wondering if their actions had any impact.
❌ Don’t overwhelm players with too much feedback – find the right balance.
5. Visual and Audio Design
✅ Create a stunning visual world that players want to dive into.
✅ Use sound effects and music that match the game’s mood, enhancing the experience.
❌ Don’t disregard the importance of visuals – they create the game’s identity.
❌ Don’t use audio that clashes with the game’s tone – it can be jarring.
6. Storytelling and Narrative
✅ Weave a captivating story, making players feel like they’re part of an epic adventure.
✅ Reveal bits of the story as players progress, keeping them engaged and curious.
❌ Don’t force players to sit through long, unskippable story segments.
❌ Don’t make the story disjointed from the gameplay – integrate them seamlessly.
7. Flow and Pacing
✅ Maintain a rhythm of excitement and calm, just like a rollercoaster ride.
✅ Avoid monotony – switch things up to keep players entertained.
❌ Don’t overwhelm players with non-stop action – they need moments to breathe.
❌ Don’t create abrupt shifts in pacing – maintain a balanced rhythm.
8. Player Empowerment
✅ Let players make choices that shape the game, giving them a sense of control.
✅ Make players feel like the heroes of their own story.
❌ Don’t railroad players into predetermined outcomes without choice.
❌ Don’t make players feel powerless – they should be the driving force.
9. Social and Multiplayer Interaction
✅ Encourage friendly competition and cooperation, fostering a sense of community.
✅ Allow players to team up, creating memorable shared experiences.
❌ Don’t allow toxic behavior to flourish – prioritize a positive gaming environment.
❌ Don’t make multiplayer the only focus – consider those who prefer solo play.
10. Progression and Rewards
✅ Reward players for their hard work with cool unlocks and achievements.
✅ Create a sense of growth, making players excited to see what’s next.
❌ Don’t overwhelm players with too many rewards – it can cheapen the experience.
❌ Don’t make progression overly grindy – it’s about enjoyment, not just effort.
Useful resources:
“Accessibility In Games And Inclusive Design” by Aela
https://aelaschool.com/en/userexperience/accessibility-games-inclusive-design/
“Game Accessibility Guidelines” by Ian Hamilton
http://gameaccessibilityguidelines.com/
“Importance of Goals in the Design of Gamification and Games” by Karl Kapp
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-goals-design-gamification-games-karl-kapp/
“The Psychology of Video Game Engagement” by Jamie Madigan
https://www.psychologyofgames.com/2022/03/podcast-71-the-psychology-of-video-game-engagement/
“The Importance of Feedback to Learning in Game Design” by Josh Bycer
https://game-wisdom.com/critical/feedback-game-design
“How Games Use Feedback Loops” by Game Maker’s Toolkit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4kbJObhcHw
“The Aesthetics of Game Art and Game Design” by Chris Solarski
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-aesthetics-of-game-art-and-game-design
“So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 8: Sound Design” by Riot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcorIwJscFA
“The Art of Video Game Storytelling 101” by Brooke Maggs
https://medium.com/@brooke.maggs/art-of-video-game-storytelling-101-84a36ceb365d
“Narrative Design Master Class: Write stories for Video Games” by Emilio Padulo
https://www.udemy.com/course/narrative-design-master-class/
“The Flow Theory Applied To Game Design” by thinkgamedesign
https://thinkgamedesign.com/flow-theory-game-design/
“‘This Action Will Have Consequences’: Interactivity and Player Agency” by Sarah Stang
https://gamestudies.org/1901/articles/stang
“Unlock the Power of Multiplayer Gaming: How Playing with Others Can Supercharge Your Social Skills and Teamwork Abilities” by Giuseppe LS
https://medium.com/@giugiuls8899/unlock-the-power-of-multiplayer-gaming-how-playing-with-others-can-supercharge-your-social-skills-c28505039fe4
“The Psychology of In-Game Rewards: How Video Games Keep Us Hooked” by Simply Put Psych
https://simplyputpsych.co.uk/gaming-psych/3l1sb9syu0313770n7n3ip4e4u1x6b
