E52 How to do User Research in Game Dev with Steve Bromley

Steve Bromley, a games user research consultant, joins Ben and Aaron to discuss the importance of user research in game development. He emphasizes the need for teams to understand their target players and their needs, and to integrate player insights throughout the development process. He also highlights the value of early playtesting and the benefits of engaging with real players rather than relying solely on internal feedback. He encourages teams to make user research a collaborative process and to prioritize specific objectives when conducting studies. Overall, Steve emphasizes the role of user research in creating a better gaming experience for players.

Key Takeaways:

• User research should be integrated into the game development process from the early stages to ensure alignment with player needs and preferences.

• Playtesting should not be left until the end of development; regular and targeted studies throughout the process can lead to better decision-making and prevent critical issues from being overlooked.

• It is important to involve real players in playtesting rather than relying solely on friends and family or internal team members to gather feedback.

Connect with Steve Bromley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevebromley

If you want to run reliable playtests, or start a career in games user research check out his website: https://gamesuserresearch.com/ 

Courses built by game devs for game devs - check out “Succeeding in Game Production” https://www.buildingbettergames.gg/succeeding-in-game-production 

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Content Editor: Jonathan Singh