User Experience in Game Design

Overview

Class Central Tips

Elevate your game design skills with our immersive course on User Interface (UI) in Unreal Engine, where no prior experience is necessary, though completion of Courses 1-4 is recommended. This course stands out by blending theoretical insights with hands-on practice to create exceptional user experiences. Begin by exploring the comprehensive game theory behind User Experience (UX), focusing on key aspects like game loops, camera dynamics, and UI design. Learn how to ensure accessibility for all players through effective iconography, automation, and audio design. Progress to implementing UX features using advanced tools such as Niagara VFX and Unreal Engine’s UI systems, enhancing elements from combat to crafting. In the final module, grasp the intricacies of designing effective game loops with goals ranging from seconds to hours. By the end, you'll be equipped to design inclusive, engaging, and dynamic game interfaces that resonate with players and enhance their overall experience. This course uniquely integrates theory with practical application, ensuring you can create polished, player-focused designs.

Syllabus

User Experience Game Theory

In this module we will discover what User Experience means in Game Design. This process will give you a glimpse into User Experience methodologies and different approaches to game design. There are a variety of concepts that apply to all User Experience categories to review and consider during development.

Accessibility Design in Games

In this module we will discover what Accessibility means in Game Design. It will provide examples on how these accessibility features often improve the experience for all players, and not just those who are disabled.

User Experience Categories

In this module we will discover how to examine the user experience for different categories of a game. While this is not a complete list, it is good selection of a few main categories for User Experience; Game Design - the whole experience, Level Design, Combat Design, Objective Design, and Crafting Design. User Experience is closely related to full on game design, but is more catered toward the player's perspective.

Establishing a Game Loop

In this module we will discover how to design a game loop. Each game has a series of small actions that are consistently repeated. This is why it is considered a loop. A game loop is broken down in to five time based goal; Per Second Goals, Minute Goals, 15 Minute Goals, Hour Goals and Long Term Goals. A game loop shows the full circle experience of what you are trying to portray through a game.