Game heuristics in literature compared to practices used in game companies

Abstract

This master’s thesis aims to find out how differently game developers view game heuristics compared to researchers, as well as what methods are in reality used in game companies. The topic is researched with a comprehensive literature review and conducting semi-structured interviews with gaming industry professionals from different game companies. This thesis studies the awareness, adoption, effectiveness, and challenges associated with heuristic evaluation in games and what other methods are utilized instead of it.

The theoretical framework consists of books, scientific articles, and websites that concern heuristic evaluation and user experience in games. It covers user experience in game development, heuristic evaluation, and the views of game developers on both of these topics. Especially about heuristic evaluation in game development and about heuristic lists.

The findings of the study show a stark contrast between the views of academic researchers and game industry professionals on heuristic evaluation in games. The researchers praise its potential benefits, while many game developers have no knowledge of heuristics or show doubt towards the method. The following issues were perceived by the developers; complexity, restrictiveness, and concerns regarding the efficiency of heuristics compared to other methods.

Generic heuristic lists have a clear point of conflict with all the specific genres of games that require their specific needs tailored to them. Already existing lists are not seen as being enough, so developers have to make their own lists, which adds to the complexity of the method. Efforts need to be made to make more accessible information, but also to increase awareness, understanding, and expertise regarding user experience methods in the gaming industry.

Overall, this master’s thesis fulfils all the goals that were set, and the research questions were answered. In conclusion, heuristics are not viewed as positively by the game developers as compared to researchers, and it’s efficiency leaves a lot to be desired compared to other methods at the moment.