Tailoring Your Game to Meet Player Needs

During her keynote address at Devcom, Funcom's lead UX designer Anna Brandberg emphasized the importance of understanding player needs and aligning your game's vision with theirs. Having worked on notable titles such as The Sims, Candy Crush Saga, and Metal: Hellsinger, Brandberg encouraged developers to shift their focus from personal achievements to the player's journey. She stressed that the key to success lies not in showcasing one's talent but in catering to the needs of the players. Brandberg pointed out that players are often overlooked in the development process, with the focus instead being on metrics and numbers. However, she reminded the audience that behind each statistic, there is a person with unique needs and preferences. To create a successful game, developers must prioritize the player's experience and be willing to adapt based on feedback. Brandberg highlighted the value of user research, user segmentation, A/B testing, and playtesting in understanding player behavior. She also shared several "easy UX wins" that developers can implement to improve the player experience, including providing visible feedback, maintaining consistency, and offering clear tutorials. Additionally, Brandberg emphasized the importance of accessibility, suggesting that developers should consider the diverse needs of their players and design games that are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. She encouraged developers to prioritize meaningful design, challenge themselves to create better games, and foster a culture that welcomes player feedback. By doing so, developers can create games that have a positive impact on players' lives and leave a lasting impression.