Video games provide gamers with fun, social, identity, and growth experiences. Understanding these functions can help us better understand the people who play video games and how we can support them in their gaming journey. Gamers expect a high level of game performance and want developers to update games frequently. They also rely on game communities and forums for help, so providing these resources for players is important.
Great Graphics
Gamers want to immerse themselves in the game world and see it as realistically as possible. They also expect to be able to zoom in and out on the action without losing detail. It is especially important on mobile devices with fewer capabilities for high-resolution graphics. A clean interface is another key factor gamers expect to have in their gaming experience. They don’t like having distractions on the screen that take them out of the game or have a confusing interface. They also appreciate when the gameplay isn’t interrupted by excessive advertisements that can ruin the experience. Gamers also want to have a fast and reliable internet connection. They have set aside time to play and don’t want to be interrupted by lag or other issues with their internet connection. They also want to trust that the developer will continue to update their game and fix problems as they occur. If a game experiences frequent downtime, it can cause frustration and lead to players switching to other games.
Challenging
A challenging game is the most important thing gamers expect from a great gaming experience. It can be anything from a tricky map or level that requires them to explore more than usual to a tough boss battle that tests their skills. Gamers will put in the effort when they know it will lead to a rewarding experience. A game that is too easy will bore players very quickly. On the other hand, a game that is too hard can leave them feeling frustrated and discouraged. Owning Playstation 4 controller balances these two extremes and creates difficult but surmountable challenges. Another challenge that gamers face is dealing with technical issues in the game. Many of them schedule their gaming time around a specific time and find it frustrating when the game’s servers are down for too long. It can cause them to lose interest and turn to other games in the future. Providing reliable server uptime is essential for gamers’ enjoyment of their gaming experience.
Fun to Play
Gamers want to have fun while they play games. They enjoy the stories and plot twists that video games tell, the competitive nature of some of them, the ability to interact with other players online, and even the social aspect of gaming, where they can meet people worldwide. Gamers also love to see game developers continuously innovate new technologies into their games. It is especially important in augmented and virtual reality, which are becoming more popular in gaming. Gamers also expect continuous updates to their games so that if they do experience technical issues, they can have the opportunity to resolve those problems quickly and not be left with an unplayable game. The majority of gamers have healthy relationships with gaming. However, there are a few who struggle with disordered gaming. Whether you are a gamer, a parent or caretaker of a gamer, or a professional working in the gaming industry, understanding what gamers expect from a great gaming experience can help prevent problematic behaviors associated with excessive gaming.
Social
Video games are a social experience, with many gamers participating in eSports and other competitive gaming events. They also enjoy playing cooperatively with friends online. A recent study found that gamers who play together online are likelier to be in a guild, clan, or team than alone. In addition to socialization, gaming improves players’ multitasking skills. Most games require players to keep track of their health, ammo, and other stats while moving their character around the game environment. They must also communicate with teammates and opponents over a headset or microphone. As gaming becomes more social, it is becoming increasingly important for technology companies to enter the space. However, they must create a compelling gaming experience that is not overly distracting with cluttered screens or excessive advertising. The best way to do this is to ensure the gaming interface is clean and intuitive. It will make the gaming experience more enjoyable and encourage gamers to continue playing. It will also help to erode the stereotype that gamers are antisocial and can lead to violence and other negative behaviors.
Easy to Learn
Just like basketball players work to improve their hand-eye coordination, fast reflexes and decision-making over time, gamers also strive to learn new skills through experience. Gamers expect a smooth playing experience and are turned off by games that are difficult to navigate or have unreliable uptime. If a match is experiencing bugs or other technical issues, gamers expect the developer to fix these problems as quickly as possible. Gamers also expect a clean interface without excessive advertisements or distractions.