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EVERING
A brand new turn-based RPG created by Purpure Studios.
My Role
UX Researcher
Playtesting, Interviewing, Data Analysis, Report Generation
February 2022 - July 2022
Background
Overview
EVERING is an RPG adventure game developed by the indie game company Purpure Studio. The game is in early access, with the first chapter of the story being released, and the last two chapters being released sequentially. The second chapter is aimed to be released by summer of 2022.
Objective
Conduct a usability test of the game EVERING to inform the game developers of any possible pain points that hinder the gaming experience.
Research Questions & Metrics
Research Questions
To better understand the state of the game, I coordinated a kick-off meeting with the lead game developer, Jotaauvei. Through this discussion, we drafted three initial research questions:
1. Is the first dungeon too difficult?
2. Is the final boss challenging?
3. Do players enjoy the game?
From there, I played the first chapter of the game myself and created additional questions based on my own experience.
Metrics
Based on the initial research questions, I created specific quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure variables such as difficulty and enjoyment. These included metrics such as death counters and asking the players to rate the difficulty.
Methodology
Participants
Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Participants were screened using Google Forms, ensuring that they matched the game's target audience. There were a total of 5 participants recruited for this study.
Method
On-site and remote playtesting via Discord was used to observe and record users actions and behavior while they progressed through the game. Once the user crossed certain checkpoints, such as the final boss battle, I talked with the user using the metrics mentioned previously. After the playtest session was over, a post-interview was conducted to assess player enjoyment.
Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis
After the user rated different variables such as difficulty and enjoyment, descriptive analysis of means was used to create a baseline measurement for future testing. For confidentiality reasons, these specific metrics cannot be shared.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Based on player observations and feedback from the playtest sessions and interviews, I created an affinity map using Mural. The data were then grouped into five distinct categories:
1. Core Gameplay
2. UI Issues
3. Combat Issues
4. Exploration & Navigation
5. General Bugs
Insights
Key Insights
Once the data were mapped, I then sorted and prioritized issues based on this criteria described by userfocus.
From each category mentioned previously, these were some of the most critical issues presented:
Core Gameplay
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Players are overwhelmed with status effects
UI Issues
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Players don’t see the “run” option
Combat Issues
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Players don’t understand the charge up bar
Exploration & Navigation
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Players do not find the first cave, which is essential for acquiring new abilities
The Future
The future of EVERING is exciting. From this study, I was able to share with the developers a variety of user pain points to enhance the gaming experience for the future. Certain issues that were presented, such as the combat system, have already been addressed in newer patch updates.
Overall, EVERING is a game that shows a lot of promise. Once the new chapters are released, I am excited to see how the game progresses and how the story unfolds.
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