The Game UX Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the rapidly evolving field of AI and machine learning, exploring its implications for user experience (UX) research in gaming. Discussing its use in market research, user communication data collection, and more, we take an optimistic look at its potential while acknowledging ethical considerations. We also ponder the future of AI in generating adaptive surveys, game assessments, and empathetic player feedback analysis. Listen to this episode as we explore diverse viewpoints on how AI could reshape the role as a part of the game developer toolkit.

In this episode of our podcast, we go in-depth into the challenges and complexities of UX research, particularly within the gaming industry. We discuss the diversity among games and gamers worldwide and how UX researchers can connect different game features with various player groups. We also delve into the adaptation of methodologies, including AI tools in research, the impact of cultural sensitivities, and the necessity of agility and continual learning in this dynamic industry. This episode is aimed at both seasoned UX researchers and those new to the field, providing insights, discussions, and valuable tips for staying at the forefront of game UX research.

This podcast episode discusses the importance of data reliability and validity in making informed decisions. We touch on quantitative and qualitative data and highlight the need to ensure that the collected data is relevant to the research question and is valid and reliable.

What makes video games fun and keeps us playing them? In this podcast episode, we discuss what motivates people to play video games. Motivation is essential in games. If players aren't motivated, they won't play the game. Game designers have many years of experience using different tricks to motivate players. Some examples are rewards, scores, levels, stories, and playing with friends. We discuss how some games today use techniques to get players to spend more money on things like battle passes. We question if some of these techniques take advantage of players by making them spend a lot of time unlocking things they already paid for. Game companies need to think carefully about player motivation and act responsibly. We touch on the behaviour model by Dr. BJ Fogg. His model says a behaviour happens based on three things - motivation, ability, and prompt. Game designers try to make missions easy but exciting to increase motivation and ability. But sometimes, players can get hooked when they lose track of why they are playing. We give our takes on compulsions being complex, and discuss how more research is needed. Next, we discuss how to study motivation as a games user researcher. Crucial things to look at are the context where players use the game and their different abilities. Juicy feedback, like fun sounds and visuals, can also increase motivation. Surveys alone may not reveal all motivations, so other techniques should be used, too. We wonder how massive games like Candy Crush appeal to many players globally. We posit these games offer many features that speak to different motivations - like achievements for competitive players and social features for social players. Games should also consider accessibility so more people can play. In conclusion, we agree motivation is complex and changes across culture, age, and other factors. More exploration is needed into player motivations we don't even know to ask about yet. This makes for an exciting future of user research in the gaming world. 🔗 Related Links: The Game UX Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/game-ux The Acagamic Tip Tuesday: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64795efe644615ff2d1ae1a6 The Book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/games-user-research-9780198794844/?promocode=ASPROMP8

During this episode, Anders and Lennart talk about free-to-play and "pay-to-play" game designs. They discuss consumer feedback and how to avoid deceiving players into unfavourable behaviour. Besides that, the conversation goes into how games foster both positive and negative behaviours. It also discusses the need for longitudinal studies comparing games to other media forms to really understand their impact. The idea of introducing new rating systems is also discussed, which would give more nuanced information about a game's content and engagement level. Considering long-term effects and the need for ethical awareness within the gaming industry, the dialogue draws parallels between game development and wider societal issues, such as the opioid crisis. Join us in this episode as we explore the complex relationship between games, interaction design, consumer education, and policymaking.

In this seventh episode of the Game UX Podcast (formerly the Games User Research Book podcast, yes we have a new name), we welcome Steve Bromley, an industry veteran to explore the evolution of user research in the gaming industry and its recent adoption by big AAA companies. Learn how to make the best of both worlds in this episode. Steve shares his journey to becoming a user researcher, highlighting opportunities for game expansion and challenges for game scientists. In addition to interdisciplinary skills, we talk about user researchers' social responsibilities, especially when it comes to gaming and gambling. During the conversation, we talk about the social impact of Crypto and NFTs in gaming. Toward the end, we talk about ethical considerations in the tech industry, especially among UX professionals. On Steve's website and playtestkit.com, there are resources for aspiring game user researchers.

How do you measure the impact of user research? Is it in the improvement of the user experience, or in the number of sold units? Do either of these measures make sense in a world of persistent games? And what about academic user research - does it have any impact on how games are made - and should it? In this episode, we talk about how games user research influences games and maybe even society.

There is not just one road to becoming a games user researcher; instead, we seem to be coming from various backgrounds. However, a shared trait across everyone in the field is the passion for creating the best possible user experience and the conviction to stand up for science and what it tells us about our games - whether positive or negative.   

In this episode, we talk about the sometimes twisty road we need to walk to work with user research and games.  

→ When you're ready, we have a book packed with information about games user research that can help you become a better games user researcher and will serve you as a handbook for years to come: gurbook.com or for at 30% discount go here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/games-user-research-9780198794844/?promocode=ASPROMP8  We are also on Twitter @GamesURbook

You have run the user sessions, analyzed the interviews, visualized the telemetry and are now ready to report your findings to the team. But how do you do this in a way that makes your research relevant and help your colleagues take action on the findings you are presenting?

When you're ready, we have a book packed with information about games user research that can help you become a better games user researcher and will serve you as a handbook for years to come: gurbook.com or

→ For at 30% discount go to this link:  https://global.oup.com/academic/product/games-user-research-9780198794844/?promocode=ASPROMP8. We are also on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn: @GamesURbook

How do we get from research questions to figure out the actual research?

In this video, we talk about how academic and industry collaborations unfold with games user research studios and draw from our experience working with industry partners on these collaborations.  

→ When you're ready, we have a book packed with information about games user research that can help you become a better games user researcher and will serve you as a handbook for years to come: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/games-user-research-9780198794844/?promocode=ASPROMP8 (30% off with this link)

When you play a game, something happens. You might be feeling elated, frustrated, engaged, furious, whimsical. Your heart rate might go up, and your sweat glands activate. Alpha- and beta-waves firing in your brain. You are having an experience. The user experience we get from playing games is called "playing experience", and it is the alpha and omega in games user research - or "GUR" - which exists to ensure that players experience games in the way the designers expect them to. However, as important as player experience is to GUR, we have a hard time figuring out exactly what it is or how to measure it. In this inaugural episode of the Games User Research Podcast, we have a conversation about player experience: what it is, how to measure it, and why that measuring is enormously challenging.