Technology and the gaming industry have always worked together, hand in hand. This collaboration is most evident in providing gamers with quality visuals for game characters while ensuring gamers have seamless access to their favorite game titles.
Of course, gamers get to enjoy the high-quality visuals and immersive gameplay upon the implementation of UX (User Experience) systems. These systems have emerged as one of the standards gamers consider, as many believe that a game with an outstanding user experience typically leads to an enjoyable gaming session.
While most gaming platforms are now racing to improve their UX systems, some still fail to deliver games that balance aesthetics, functionality, and challenge, leaving gamers feeling frustrated rather than engaged.
Below, let’s learn more about user experience when applied to games and the valuable UX lessons developers can learn from games that do it right.
Why Is User Experience (UX) Important in Gaming Platforms?
To start, User Experience (UX) refers to the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or system. It includes the ease of use, accessibility, visual design, and even the emotional impact of using the product or system.
When applied to games, user experience encompasses the design, the narrative, and the mechanics that shape a player’s journey throughout the game. A game with a well-crafted UX can enhance a player’s engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately their retention. It is such a crucial element, which is why you often see game developers and platforms use it to market their games.
It is such a vital element that if a player recognizes that a game provides quality UX, they will end up committing it to memory. When players perceive a game as having an excellent UX, they are likely to regard all aspects related to the game positively.
A great example would be MGA casinos, known to feature a wide variety of game selection with immersive environments and seamless gameplay. Although these casinos are mainly known to provide players with generous bonuses and feature secure payment providers, they are also increasingly being known for their innovative approach to enhancing player experience through progressive jackpots and immersive experiences.
Consequently, mentioning that a game originates from an MGA casino immediately evokes the expectation of a high-quality entertainment experience for players.
UX Essential Lessons Every Game Developer Must Note
Now that we know how important UX is to games, it is time to look into the various UX lessons a developer can get from games that have successfully prioritized user experience in their design.
1: Seamless Navigation
Most players interact more with games that allow them to easily explore it without being overwhelmed with understanding game instructions.
Accordingly, this can be achieved when game developers use a clear and attention-grabbing visual hierarchy that easily catches a player’s attention guiding them to where they should go next.
Take for example, in the RPG game, Legend of Zelda. This game uses the right colors and sizes for landmarks and consistent navigation elements, allowing players to explore the vast world it features easily.
From the example, game developers and designers could start tweaking color contrasts and employing the right fonts, especially when they want to highlight a certain object in the game. Additionally, they could also implement a visual layout for players, especially when the game requires the players to navigate from one game path to another, reducing a player’s frustration and increasing their enjoyment.
2: Engaging Storytelling
The next lesson to learn is that the narrative of a game significantly influences a player’s engagement. A game with a compelling story can transform even the simplest game into an unforgettable one.
A great example of this would be the Super Mario Bros. game. In this game, Mario and Luigi are set out to explore the Mushroom Kingdom to survive Bowser’s forces and rescue Princess Peach. With its compelling narrative, players form an emotional attachment to its characters, making them want to rescue Princess Peach.
From the example, game designers and developers will understand that storytelling creates a positive user experience for the player. Using narratives helps players connect with the game, and this can foster loyalty and encourage other players to try the game.
3: Social Interaction
Lastly, providing players a way to communicate with each other also helps in improving the UX of a game.
By incorporating social features such as chat options, it encourages players to connect, collaborate, and share experiences, which can all significantly enhance their user experience. Allowing gamers to foster a sense of community within the game fosters loyalty from the players.
An example of this would be Fortnite, which offers players social features such as voice chat, text chat, and social tags.
From the example, game designers and developers will understand that incorporating social features enhances a player’s overall enjoyment and increases their commitment to the game.
Final Thoughts
From what was discussed, we can all infer that games are not only there to provide entertainment but can also provide valuable lessons for game designers and developers to understand user engagement and behavior.
By considering these lessons and applying them, designers and developers can incorporate them into the next game they create to enhance the user experience and engagement. In doing so, they get to exercise their creativity while still having the game resonate with the target audience.
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