Playability tests
An interaction with computer games differs from a typical usage of an application or a web page. The basic aim of the players is an entertainment, not a performance of specific tasks. That's why, while testing playability, we check to what extent a game is attractive for users and how much entertainment it can provide.
As a part of our playability tests we also check the usability of interface elements, mechanics of a game and a character control.
tests with computer players
The tests are based on the observation of computer players while playing some of the chosen fragments of a game. The tests are characterised by weakly structured form. It enables to achieve an environment more natural for the players and, at the same time, it helps in obtaining more reliable results.
Players' emotions and non-verbal reactions, which in the case of computer games have much greater sense than during task performance, are submitted to a detailed analysis. The test report contains a list of problems, an analysis of users' satisfaction and recommendations.
surveys
Surveys integrated with a game or summing up the user tests allow to obtain quantitative data, which are a confirmation of game playability level. The surveys also enable to compare the results for different game levels or subsequent stages of game development.
A survey questionnaire is always created for the needs of a specific game and a given research problem. Surveys can be the one of elements in game player tests, beta tests of a game or of a finished game (e.g. MMO type).
