Playing games online is very common among people of all ages, and there are many types to choose from. Easily the most popular genres include sandbox, MOBA, first-person shooter, and online casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Yet, in any game, the user experience plays a crucial role. Navigating to different functions should be simple for the player, and understanding the game rules easily adds to the overall experience of playing online games.
Thus, in this article, we assess all the important factors of user experience in gaming.
User experience’s role in shaping modern gaming
The vast majority of online games on PCs can be controlled using the mouse. However, some games, such as sports ones like EAFFC and NBA 2K, require a controller similar to that of a PlayStation or Xbox.
Controls of any game need to be as simple as possible, so you are able to get on with the objectives without the need for an instruction manual. Cross-platform games implement this side of user experience well, as you click with a mouse or tap your finger on the screen.
This is often the case in casino games like online pokies and live dealer games. To start playing, you’ll just need to configure your bet at the bottom of the screen by touching the mouse or using your fingertip.
Moreover, nowadays, signing up for a pokie site is fast and straightforward. The user interface of comparison sites allows you to read impartial reviews, assess the available payment options, and claim a welcome bonus.
Mobile gaming UX
In recent times playing online games on smartphones and tablets has grown in popularity. This is mainly because of the accessibility, while at the same time, the overall game quality is superb.
With all smartphone devices, the controls are always touchscreen. Therefore, the design of the controls has to be ergonomic so that players can easily play the game. Also, after a certain time, they do not want their hands to get worn out, or worse, their hands blocking the screen.
Many times, especially with racing games like Mario Kart, the controls are positioned to the right and left of the screen – like that of regular game consoles.
With this design, players can easily keep their eyes on the race and use their fingers to accelerate/brake and turn left and right accordingly.
How UI and UX shape players’ emotions
The user experience and user interface can make or break any video game. On the whole, players prefer simplicity, so they can start the game quickly and enjoy the gameplay.
Placing many obstacles to access the main base game can put a lot of players off, not to mention if too many long adverts are placed in the game. It’s all about striking a good balance because, at the end of the day, the game developers are still a business.
UX and game monetization
One huge aspect of gaming is the monetization side, with many games (especially mobile ones) moving towards a “freemium” model. This essentially means the game is free to download and play, but if you want any extras or in-game currency, you must purchase them with real money.
On the other hand, many mobile freemium games run adverts, which directly affect the user’s experience. Most of the time, you can purchase the premium version of the game, so you do not have to watch annoying adverts every 10 minutes.
Skins also play a huge role in the customization of characters, especially in games such as World of Warcraft, League of Legends, and DOTA 2. At first, these assets are sold by the game developers themselves, but eventually end up getting resold on third-party sites.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
