Challenge

The Full Spectrum Warrior game created a new gaming genre. It appeared to be an FPS (first-person shooter), but played like an RTS (real-time strategy). The developers wanted to be sure that the control scheme was easily navigated and did not take away from game play. In addition, we wanted to ensure the game play was fun and at the right challenge level, and that the HUD was helpful, yet did not interfere with enjoyment of the game.

Solution

During the first round of game usability testing, we were able to determine that the controller scheme worked well. The results showed ways in which the designers could improve several aspects of the user interface design and increase the level of comprehension regarding how to play the game. The second iteration validated the design changes while increasing the gamer’s enjoyment and fun, eliminating problematic areas and uncovering additional areas that could be improved to increase the gamers’ experience. The results of the game playability testing and usability evaluation ultimately improved game play, mechanics, story and user interface, so it could be the best game it could be.