Practical Exercise

Analysing UX in Video Games: A Case Study Approach

The objective is to critically analyse the user experience (UX) design of a selected video game, focusing on how it incorporates elements of psychology, narrative, and player expectations to create an engaging and memorable experience.

Instructions:

1. Select a Video Game: Choose a video game that you are familiar with and that has been well-received for its user experience. Some examples could be The Last of Us, Celeste, Fortnite, or The Witcher 3. If not, find any other examples of video games available online.
2. Identify UX Elements: Analyse the game by identifying the key UX elements that contribute to the player’s experience. Focus on areas such as:
   • Interface design and ease of navigation.
   • How the game guides player attention and decision-making.
   • The role of narrative in enhancing player engagement.
   • The use of rewards and progression systems.
   • Emotional pacing and its impact on the player’s experience.
3. Apply Psychological Concepts: Relate your analysis to the psychological concepts discussed in the course, such as perception and attention, cognitive psychology, emotional responses, and social psychology.
4. Report: Write a detailed report (2-3 pages) summarising your findings. Discuss how the game’s UX design either meets or exceeds player expectations, and suggest any improvements that could enhance the user experience further.