INITIAL CONCEPT AND MARKET ANALYSIS

It’s never too early for UX. In this exploratory phase, UX professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the game's foundational concept. We conduct thorough market research, analyze trends, and assess competitive products to identify unique opportunities. By understanding the target audience's preferences and unmet needs, we help conceptualize a game that not only fills a market gap but also resonates with prospective users. Innovation resonates loudly as a focused, deliberate twist within a familiar broader context. This process involves synthesizing data from various sources to create a compelling, market-fit game concept.

Common Collaborators

At large game studios (ArenaNet, Motiga), I’ve collaborated closely with Market Analysts who provide data on current market trends and consumer preferences, Product Managers who help align the game concept with business objectives, and Strategy Planners who assist in formulating a viable market entry strategy.

Working with the limited resources of smaller studios (Starform, Meteor Entertainment), my nimble UX teams and I have driven much of this work to help game designers identify and balance opportunities for innovation against existing audience needs and expectations.

Methods and Artifacts

Early product discovery is catalyzed by in-depth competitive analysis, trend research, and audience profiling. Gathering business requirements and identifying technical constraints also steer early concepts into viable design solutions.

• Stakeholder Interviews inform the initial concept and market analysis by capturing diverse perspectives on business goals, target audiences, and market opportunities, guiding strategic UX decisions.

• Competitive Analysis identifies market gaps, trends, and benchmarks against competitors, informing design strategies that differentiate the game and meet user expectations.

• User Surveys gather broad, early insights into player preferences and needs, shaping the game's concept and ensuring it aligns with potential user expectations.

• User Interviews provide in-depth understanding of potential players' desires and challenges, directly informing the initial concept and feature prioritization.