When it comes to creating and developing different types of games, a common goal is that the game provides positive value and is well received by the players. This is why user experience (UX) is absolutely fundamental to gaming development, because if a game is not optimized well for its users, then it is likely to fail.
What is User Experience in Gaming?
All the decisions that go into creating and developing a game have to be considered with UX in mind. Whether it is video games; mobile games or online casino games, everything from design to functionality has to be considered in regards to UX. Understanding what users react to well and what aspects of the game they find fun and stimulating is critical in implementing a good UX In games. Successful game developers tend to have people on the team working solely on this who are able to put themselves in the players’ positions and look objectively at the game to ensure they are creating a game that users will like.
User Experience in Video Gaming
In recent years, UX in video games has developed a lot and brought major changes. Whilst the core aspects such as level design and smooth controls are still a top priority in almost every game, it now has to be considered how users can share the game and experience with their peers. Games such as Call of Duty encourage users to play together in groups and share their progress and footage online with each other. This type of UX allows players to feel more connected and also benefits the developers by gaining more exposure for the game.
User Experience in Mobile Gaming
Games developed for mobile always need to be designed with UX at the forefront of decisions. When it comes to mobile gaming, precision is absolutely key for users, so the controls and functionality need to be accurate. Popular mobile games such as PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) focus heavily on UX, with quality functionality that allows players to play the game as smoothly as if on console, and rewards systems that let users track their progress and earn in-game cosmetics.
User Experience in Casino Gaming
In iGaming, UX is a critical aspect when considering how to create and design casino games and online casino apps. For online casinos, they need to have a customer-first strategy, which involves making the layout of the apps and games as user-friendly as possible.
It’s not just designed that is important for UX on online casinos, as bonuses and offers are also a key aspect. Online casinos all over the world need to focus on both having engaging games for customers, and offering incentives to get them playing. In Norway, there are a range of slot machines (spilleautomater) that excel in offering a range of engaging games and bonuses for players. These machines are particularly popular in Norway and have been found in places such as shopping centres, kiosks and petrol stations since the 1990s. Since the transition to online, Norwegian slot machines have excelled in providing a good UX as players are provided with bonuses and stimulating visual experiences.
It is clear that regardless of the type of game being developed, good UX is an absolute must in order to build a successful game that benefits both the player and development team.
