Methods Beyond the Screen: Conducting remote player studies for game design research

Alexander Muscat; Jonathan Duckworth; Douglas Wilson

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Methods Beyond the Screen: Conducting remote player studies for game design research

Conference paper

Peer reviewed

Methods Beyond the Screen: Conducting remote player studies for game design research

Alexander Muscat, Jonathan Duckworth and Douglas Wilson

Proceedings of DiGRA 2019 Conference, pp.1-16

Digital Games Research Association Conference (DiGRA), 12th (Kyoto, Japan, 03-Aug-2019–06-Aug-2019)

Digital Games Research Association

2019

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https://dl.digra.org/index.php/dl/article/view/1092/1092View

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Abstract

game design

design

methods

qualitative research

player studies

player experience

In this paper we present a qualitative research methodology for conducting scholarly remote player studies, derived from a comparison of player-testing protocols. Within the game design research field, approaches to studying designs are frequently adapted from standardized player-testing techniques. These often focus on measuring player experience so a design may be evaluated. While such methods provide a useful basis for conducting iterative design studies, these present limitations for researchers seeking to interrogate design approaches outside of conventional assessment models or gameplay paradigms. We discuss these issues through a methodological lens, in the study of WORLD4, a game designed for experiences of ambiguity. Through a two-stage player experience case study we reveal methodological considerations, insights, and highlight disciplinary questions. In doing so we present a contextually aware, time and resource conscious method for conducting remote player studies, useful for game design researchers working outside of labs or investigating alternate design spaces.

Details

Title: Methods Beyond the Screen: Conducting remote player studies for game design research
Authors: Alexander Muscat (Author) - RMIT University
Jonathan Duckworth (Author) - RMIT University
Douglas Wilson (Author) - RMIT University
Publication details: Proceedings of DiGRA 2019 Conference, pp.1-16
Conference details: Digital Games Research Association Conference (DiGRA), 12th (Kyoto, Japan, 03-Aug-2019–06-Aug-2019)
Publisher: Digital Games Research Association
Date published: 2019
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99567208602621
Output Type: Conference paper

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