Player Experience
Ongoing coverage on Player Experience.
Latest coverage
Beyond Graphics and Gameplay: What Makes a Video Game Truly Memorable?
A memorable video game transcends impressive graphics and gameplay by fostering emotional connections through compelling characters, meaningful choices, and rewarding challenges. Experiences become lasting when players feel personally involved, whether through character development, impactful decisions, or shared moments with others. The most memorable games offer more than technical prowess; they provide unique, personal experiences that resonate long after playing.
Video games need to let players feel stupid
This article argues that many triple-A video games are overly afraid of players getting stuck, leading to excessive hand-holding and hints that diminish the satisfaction of solving puzzles. Games like Order of the Sinking Star, Routine, God of War, Marvel's Wolverine, and Halo: Campaign Evolved are discussed as examples of this trend, with the author advocating for more trust in players' problem-solving abilities to foster a greater sense of accomplishment.
Escape from Tarkov rewards veteran players for teaming up with newbies in latest update
Escape from Tarkov's latest update, patch 1.2.0.0, introduces the 'EXFIL Brothers' feature designed to reward veteran players for teaming up with new players. This PvPvE FPS update also includes improvements to bot interactions, a new prestige system for PvE players, and various quality-of-life enhancements.
ARC Raiders Introducing Dynamic Loot Zones With Frozen Trail’s Pendola Pass
Embark Studios is introducing dynamic loot zones to the Pendola Pass map in ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail update, which will change the location and value of points of interest each session. This change aims to make runs more interesting and varied for players. The studio is also working on a PvE mode for the game.
I did the math on my Wardogs XP grind, and now I wish I hadn't
An analysis of the XP grind in Wardogs reveals that reaching the final Medic gear unlock at level 24 requires 337,000 XP, with the author only 52% of the way there after 30 hours. The article details the significant playtime needed to unlock items, sparking community debate on the game's progression systems and the developer's approach to player time and commitment.
I want MMOs to waste our time again
The author argues that modern MMOs like World of Warcraft are too efficient, prioritizing player progression over the sense of wonder and aimless exploration found in older titles like Star Wars Galaxies. While acknowledging the design improvements in current games, the piece highlights the unique magic of incidental encounters and the joy of simply existing in a persistent virtual world.
Why the First Hour of a PC Game Matters More Than Ever
The initial hour of a PC game is crucial for player retention due to the abundance of choices available through digital libraries and subscription services. Developers must streamline the onboarding process, including updates, account setups, and tutorials, to ensure players remain engaged and don't abandon a game before its full potential is realized. Positive first impressions, marked by small victories and natural learning curves, are essential for both player satisfaction and developer success.
Dela dina intryck av SULFUR
Players are invited to share their impressions of the roguelike shooter SULFUR, developed by Stockholm-based studio Perfect Random. The article highlights the game's unique humor, surprising character dialogue, varied ammunition types, and the sense of discovery within its cosmic world. Players are encouraged to discuss their preferred playstyles, builds, and any secrets they've uncovered.
I have FOMO for the worst era of Cyberpunk 2077
The author expresses a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) regarding the original, more complex mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, particularly concerning tiered clothing and cyberware systems. Despite enjoying the current polished version, they reflect on how the initial design offered a more challenging and engaging RPG experience that they wish they had encountered firsthand.
Choose My Adventure: Weaving my way through the hoops of understanding Destiny 2 buildcraft
The author discusses the challenges of understanding Destiny 2's buildcraft system as a returning player, highlighting difficulties with gear requirements and mod energy. They explore how game guides can offer foundational ideas rather than strict instructions, leading to a more personalized approach to character builds.
Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis needs to have this one thing or it won't feel right
The upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis needs to feature a fully interactive Croft Manor to feel authentic to the series' legacy. While recent games have included the estate narratively, the author argues for the return of the sandbox-style training grounds found in earlier titles like Tomb Raider 2 and Anniversary. Developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog's inclusion of subtle callbacks like Charlie the fish suggests an understanding of the series' history, giving hope for the manor's return.
Perfect Ten: 10 ways that Elder Scrolls Online quietly got good in 2026
Despite a shift away from its traditional expansion model and subsequent team reductions by Microsoft, The Elder Scrolls Online has seen significant improvements in 2026. Updates 49 and 50 introduced more base game content, a challenge difficulty system, class and weapon skill line reworks, subclassing options, and new event zones like the Night Market and Vengeance PvP campaign.
Warframe of Mind: Duviri is a great idea that I hate
This article analyzes the player experience within Warframe's The Duviri Paradox, finding that while the concept is imaginative, the Drifter's combat mechanics are fundamentally flawed and detract from the overall enjoyment. The author suggests potential improvements to combat and customization to better align with the core Warframe experience, ultimately concluding that despite its interesting ideas, Duviri is more frustrating than fun.
Battlefield 6 Almost Made A Great Change, Twice, But Both Were An “Error”
Battlefield 6 developers mistakenly announced a change to XP boosts that would make them count down based on in-game time rather than real time. This is the second time in three weeks that an incorrect in-game message about this desired feature has appeared, only for the developers to clarify that no changes have been made. The community is confused by the repeated errors, suggesting that a real change to XP boosts may be forthcoming.
Why Poker Games Still Work So Well For Console Players
Poker games remain popular on consoles due to their suitability for slower-paced, strategic gameplay that emphasizes clear choices, visible stakes, and player psychology over speed. The console environment, with its large screens and controllers, enhances the immersive experience by making each decision feel deliberate and the table drama palpable. This contrasts with mobile poker, which caters to shorter, more accessible sessions, highlighting the console's role as an ideal platform for deep, engaging poker experiences.
QA's real job is being the voice of the player
Mateusz Kałuża, QA Director at Testronic, argues that Quality Assurance is a strategic advantage, not just a safety net, in modern game development. He emphasizes that skilled testers act as the voice of the player, providing crucial insights early in the development process to ensure a high-quality player experience and protect business outcomes.
Thank you, Bungie
A writer reflects on returning to Destiny 2 after a period of anger over its perceived mismanagement and layoffs, finding solace in experiencing the game's conclusion. The author expresses gratitude to Bungie for the memories and the opportunity to witness the end of one of the greatest live service games.
Is Having More Games Better for Online Casinos?
The article analyzes the strategy behind online casinos offering large game libraries, concluding that quality, organization, and personalization are more important than sheer quantity. While variety can attract players and aid retention, an unmanaged library can lead to confusion and technical issues. Solutions like the Zenith aggregator help manage game integration, but ultimately, a focus on player experience and data-driven choices is key for success in the competitive online casino market.
How Crossfire’s Adaptive Cover Puts Pressure on Players
The article analyzes how the adaptive cover system in Crossfire creates pressure on players by dynamically changing the environment. This mechanic forces players to constantly adapt their strategies and positioning, adding a unique layer of challenge to the gameplay.
EVE Online Theaters of War Exclusive Preview: 3 Expansions, 1 Universe of Conflict
EVE Online is set to receive three major expansions that will integrate ground combat, overhaul the new player experience, and introduce military campaigns. These updates aim to make the 23-year-old space MMO more accessible while pushing ambitious new systems.