A key pillar of our research is related to informing the design and development of video games through conducting user research and developing new tools and methods for measuring and analyzing user behavior in games.
Analytics has become an integral part of game development. Our research includes the application of data science and AI techniques to large and complex behavioral datasets to help untangle patterns in play.
Our work particularly centers on studying and developing information visualizations to support the sense-making and analysis of the increasingly large-scale datasets gathered from players within and outside of games.
This paper presents an exploratory mixed-methods study examining how players learn to play video games across three competitive game genres and which factors influence their self-efficacy. Based on the results, we also discuss high-level characteristics of learning and self-efficacy.
Picture by Vlada Karpovich
This paper reports on a mixed-methods study exploring the information demands posed by players on post-play visualizations and the goals they pursue with such visualizations.
Repeated measurements of player experience are crucial in games user research, assessing how different designs evolve over time. Towards this end, this study examines the test-retest reliability of the miniPXI-a short variant of the Player Experience Inventory (PXI).
Picture by Matilda Wormwood
We are happy to announce the first post of our new blog on games user research, analytics, and visualisation.
Written by subject experts from academia and industry, this edited volume seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of data analytics applications pertaining to various aspects of game production.
This paper reports on a mixed-methods study exploring the information demands posed by players on post-play visualizations and the goals they pursue with such visualizations.
Günter has a background in Computer Science and has worked in the areas of Games User Research and Analytics since more than 10 years. He has extensive experience in the visualization of gaming-related data. [Read More]
Claire has a background in HCI and serious games. She has worked extensively in different areas of Game User Research. She is interested in creative research methods, analytics, game map, and humour. [Read More]
Letian Wang has a background in art, filming and interactive digital media. His research interest includes Storytelling with Data, Player Experience Research, Digital Heritage and Gamification. [Read More]
Jonas has a background in Computer Science. He has experience in Game Design and Development and is currently engaged in analyzing and visualizing replay data, as well as in machine learning.
Sahabaj has a background in Computer Science and Interactive Media. He is currently working on Generative AI in game development and is interested in game design, player experience, and mixed reality.
Magdalena has a background in interaction design. Her research focuses on playful simulations and serious games that deal with the climate crisis and explores their potential for transformative change.
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