Video Games Game Design Player Performance

Impact of Text-based Instructions on Game Performance

Overview

This project investigates how the layout and presentation of text-based instructions within video games affect player performance.

Key Highlights

  • Developed a 2D smartphone game to evaluate the effect of varied text-based instruction layouts on player performance
  • Designed and tested three different layouts of text-based instructions integrated into the gameplay
  • Analyzed the relationship between instructional design and task outcomes through gameplay metrics
  • Conducted a user study with 40 participants and performed statistical analysis to assess layout-driven performance differences

Related Publications

2024

Analyzing Differential Impact of Text-Based Instructions in Video Games

Tasnim, Rifat Ara, Md Mosharaf Hossan, and Farjana Z. Eishita

2024 Intermountain Engineering, Technology and Computing Conference (IETC). IEEE

Best Paper Award
Abstract

While designing a video game, the first priority of game developers is to create an ultimate source of fun and entertainment. Even though the proper design of game rules and the placement of game challenges are crucial to achieving this goal, teaching players how to navigate and interact with them is pivotal. Instructions or tutorials embedded in video games, especially in serious games are essential to achieve the targeted goal successfully. In this experiment, we designed and developed a 2D game to explore whether different formats of text-based instructions integrated into the gameplay have a unique influence on players' performances as well as game experiences. Three identical versions of the game were developed except for the layout of the text-based instruction. Our experimental outcome demonstrated that simpler layouts are more effective in providing players with a better overall experience.

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