PV283 Games User Research Lab

Faculty of Informatics
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/1. 3 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Simone Kriglstein (lecturer)
Danielle Kathryn Langlois (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Tomáš Pagáč (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Simone Kriglstein
Department of Visual Computing – Faculty of Informatics
Supplier department: Department of Visual Computing – Faculty of Informatics
Timetable
Mon 14:00–15:50 A218
Prerequisites
Knowledge and interest in the area of (digital) games are expected. Knowledge about human-computer interaction fundamentals is an advantage.
The course is for students with Computer Games Development specialization, and they have priority in the assignment of places. If places are still available, students from other fields can also participate.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 7/30, only registered: 0/30, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course gives an overview of methods and principles in the games user research space and for collecting data on player experience.
The goal is to provide an overview of theoretical foundations and practical experience by conducting an expert evaluation and performing playtests. The main objective of the course is to train and develop students’ skills for testing games by following established games user research methods. For the course, an own developed game can be used.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
● understand principles of games user research
● plan and conduct playtesting sessions
● understand different methods which can be used for playtesting
● apply methods and principles of playtesting
● understand the difference between expert evaluations and evaluations with players
Syllabus
  • Introduction to games user research and playtesting
  • Games user research methods
  • Preparing a games user research study
  • Running a games user research study
  • Analyzing and reporting a games user research study
Teaching methods
Lectures, homework, student presentations
Assessment methods
Mandatory:
● Active participation
● 2 reports (1 expert evaluation report and 1 playtesting report)
● 2 presentations
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
Structure:

● 3 units: lectures

● 1 unit: guest talk/guest panel discussion

● 3 units: students will 1) present the results of the expert evaluation, 2) the game which will be used for playtesting (including target audience and methods which they will use for playtesting)

● 3 units: live playtesting

● 3 units: students will present and discuss their results (including lessons learned, reflection about expert evaluation vs. playtesting)

Procedure:

Students have to select two games (1 for expert evaluation and 1 for playtesting), write two reports (1 for expert evaluation, 1 for playtesting), and give two presentations.

● Expert evaluation: Students take on the role of an expert and use heuristics (will be presented in the lecture unit) to systematically analyze and evaluate a game. It is also important that they learn how to create such a report (how such a report should look will be presented in the lecture units). For this task, they can select a game (but not an own developed game) and also no AAA game, because it is already often well balanced and usually thoroughly tested.

● Playtesting: Students can select a game (no AAA game) or their own game (which is preferred). The game has to be tested with at least 10 players and students have to select at least three methods (methods will be presented in the lecture unit). Similar to the expert evaluation, they have to write and submit a report.

The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2022.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fi/autumn2023/PV283