Games User Research (The Book)

We would like to introduce you to our new podcast: The Games User Research Book Podcast: anchor.fm/games-user-res… Also, on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the… #gamesur #grux #UX #gamedev

Game designers know about dopamine and Skinner Boxes. But that explains only 20% of what makes games compelling. Why most designers plateau (and what to learn instead):

3 reasons to split GUR responsibilities across multiple people: 1. Aligns research timeline with game production 2. Develops deep expertise in each area 3. Enables parallel workflow execution One researcher can start, but teams scale impact.

4 essential questions for every games research brief: Target audience - who are we testing? Test objectives - what are we measuring? Timeline - when do you need results? Previous research - what do we already know? Miss one, regret it later.

Most game companies start their user research with one person doing everything. Recruiting players, running tests, analyzing data, fixing equipment. But as teams grow, smart companies split these roles. Why? Parallel work beats sequential work every time.

3 reasons to template your user research briefings: Creates live documentation during meetings Standardizes knowledge across your team No critical questions get missed The best UX researchers never wing the most crucial conversation.

Traditional UX removes every obstacle. Game design creates them intentionally. What does this mean for Game UX? Apps make us passive consumers, while games make us active problem-solvers. Maybe the secret to engagement isn't removing friction but designing the right friction.

Small GUR teams: - Complete tasks in sequence - One person does everything - Slow turnaround times Mature GUR teams: - Deliver player insights faster - Specialized role divisions - Parallel task execution Scale changes everything.

Rookie Game UX researchers: - Ask random questions - Wing client meetings - Miss critical details Veteran Game UX researchers: - Cover all key areas systematically - Follow detailed templates - Document everything live Preparation separates pros from amateurs.

Great user research starts with great briefings. Use a standard template to cover: - Player profiles and demographics - Hard deadlines and milestones - Clear research objectives - Previous study findings Templates let junior researchers ask the same smart questions as seniors.

5 core roles in games user research teams: Researcher - designs studies & analyzes data Moderator - runs player tests & collects feedback Analyst - crunches numbers & finds patterns Recruiter - finds the right players to test Lab Tech - keeps equipment running smoothly

Most GUR professionals need graduate degrees in psychology, computer science, or HCI. Here's what they actually do: - Design playtesting or user studies - Collect and synthesize data - Deliver actionable insights Without this foundation, games user research is guesswork.

And in case, you're into video games research and user experience design at #chi2024, don't miss out on this other online course we are offering: C15: UX Research and Design in Video Games

I have been wondering how AI might find use in game UX. @acagamic, @pejman_MB and I sat down and had a chat about it: youtu.be/Lc4b7fqyOGQ #grux #gameux #ux

A pod on how #AI can help in #gamesUR, simulating player behaviour, experience personalisation, large scale data analysis, the user research process, reporting & communication, user communication analysis as well as challenges, benefits & current limitations of AI in #UXresearch.

Have you seen our latest podcast episode yet? Find The Game UX Podcast on your favourite podcasting app or find the video on YouTube. In the most recent episode, we chatted about AI in game UX.

In Folge #48 sprachen wir mit @JohannesPfau_ über KI in der Spieleentwicklung, besonders bzgl. der Verhaltenssimulation von Spieler:innen. @acagamic, den wir in Folge #50 zu Gast hatten, hat mit seinen Kollegen von @GamesURbook nun einen Abriss über KI im #gamesUR gesprochen.

Check the video out on YouTube: youtu.be/Lc4b7fqyOGQ Or find us here: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/game-…

A new episode of our podcast is out. Search for The Game UX podcast on your favourite podcasting platform or find us on YouTube. In episode 12, we discuss how we can use AI in Game UX. #grux #gameux #ux

Here is the link to the full episode: youtube.com/watch?v=OPNjEm…

A new podcast episode is out. We discuss the diversity among games and gamers worldwide and how UX researchers can connect different game features with various player groups. Subscribe on your favourite platform, or check the next post for a link.