Game testing was definitely useful. The main things the experience taught me were the importance of visual objects during instructions and hints.
In testing a game, I realized that players have presuppositions about what items described in instructions look like. If these expected images are unlike the actual items, the game can be confusing. It's better to describe objects with an actual image of it then leaving it to the imagination of the player.
Also, because people don't retain large chunks for information well, and tend to forget information more as elapses, it is not good to present instructions just at the beginning. It will be hard for them to relate what they have read/heard to the changing environment of the game because it is new to them and they will forget instructions as well. Hints should come continuously to guide players through and there should be an option that allows players to re-read the instructions during game play.
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I completely know what you mean!
ReplyDeleteWe assumed our players would know to use the arrow keys but I guess our main frame deceived our players. The first screen required the mouse to click on START and then the game begins. At that point the player needs to use the arrow keys. Our players clicked around until they realized it was not doing anything so they used the keys. So now we've adjusted our game so we dont assume players will know what to do.
I'm glad that the game testing was useful to your group.
ReplyDeleteOur group is doing well and learning from the usability tests too,
I hope to see your product soon!