If you’ve ever picked up a new video game only to feel lost or frustrated, you know the importance of onboarding and tutorials in game user experience (UX) design. Without clear instructions and guidance, players can become disengaged and may ultimately abandon the game.
However, designing effective onboarding and tutorial experiences is easier said than done. To create experiences that engage and retain players, game UX designers must understand the neuroscience and psychology of learning and engagement. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind onboarding and tutorials in video games, and discuss how game UX designers can use this knowledge to create engaging and effective experiences for players.
The Neuroscience of Learning
The brain is wired to learn and adapt to new information, but it does so in specific ways. By understanding these mechanisms, game UX designers can design onboarding experiences that are optimized for learning.
Chunking. The brain is better at processing and retaining information when it’s presented in smaller chunks. Chunking can help players better understand and internalize complex information and mechanics. By breaking down complex game mechanics into smaller, more manageable pieces, game UX designers can make it easier for players to learn and remember.
In addition to breaking down complex mechanics, chunking can also be used to help players progress through the game. For example, a game might break down a level into smaller sections, with each section serving as a mini-challenge that the player must overcome. This approach can help players feel a sense of accomplishment and progress as they move through the game.
Repetition. The brain retains information better when it’s repeated over time. Repetition can help players learn and internalize the game’s mechanics, encourage mastery, and reinforce the game’s story and themes. By repeating key concepts and mechanics throughout the onboarding experience, game UX designers can help players internalize them more effectively.
Repetition can be used to reinforce key concepts and mechanics throughout the game. For example, if the player is required to use a certain tool or ability to solve a puzzle, the game might repeat this mechanic in later levels to reinforce its importance and help the player remember how to use it.
Repetition can also be used to provide players with opportunities to practice using key mechanics and abilities. For example, a game might provide a practice mode or training level where players can experiment with different tools and mechanics in a safe and controlled environment.
Repetition can be used to encourage mastery of the game’s mechanics. For example, a game might require players to repeat a certain task or challenge multiple times in order to progress, with each repetition increasing in difficulty or complexity. This can help players feel a sense of accomplishment as they improve their skills and overcome challenges.
Repetition can also be used to reinforce the game’s story and themes. For example, if the game has a recurring villain or theme, the game might repeat certain visual or audio cues to remind the player of its importance.
Context. The brain is better at learning and remembering information when it’s presented in a meaningful context. By providing context and motivation for the actions players take during onboarding, game designers can make it easier for players to understand and remember.
Context is an important concept in video game design that can help players understand and engage with the game’s mechanics and objectives. By providing purpose, establishing rules and expectations, guiding the player, and providing feedback, context can create a more immersive and enjoyable game experience. For example, context can be used to provide players with a sense of purpose for their actions in the game by providing a backstory, goals and memorable narrative.
The Psychology of Player Engagement
Engagement is critical for creating a positive game experience, and understanding the psychology of engagement can help game developers design onboarding experiences that capture and maintain players’ attention.
Goals. Humans are wired to pursue goals and experience a sense of accomplishment when they achieve them. By setting clear goals and objectives during onboarding, game developers can create a sense of purpose and engagement that keeps players invested.
Autonomy. People are more engaged when they feel like they have control over their actions and choices. By providing opportunities for exploration and experimentation during onboarding, game developers can give players a sense of autonomy that keeps them engaged.
Relevance. People are more engaged when they feel like the information they’re learning is relevant and meaningful to them. By tying the onboarding experience to the game’s story or theme, game developers can create a sense of relevance and engagement that keeps players interested.
Applying Neuroscience and Psychology to Onboarding and Tutorials for Video Game Experience
So, how can game developers apply these insights to the design of onboarding and tutorial experiences? Here are some key takeaways:
- Break down complex mechanics into smaller chunks. Present information in a way that is easy for the brain to process and remember.
- Repeat key concepts and mechanics over time. Reinforce learning by repeating information throughout the onboarding experience.
- Provide context and motivation for actions. Help players understand why they’re doing what they’re doing and what they stand to gain from it.
- Set clear goals and objectives. Create a sense of purpose and engagement by setting clear goals for players to achieve during onboarding.
- Provide opportunities for exploration and experimentation. Give players a sense of autonomy and engagement by allowing them to explore the game mechanics and experiment with them.
- Tie the onboarding experience to the game’s story or theme. Create a sense of relevance and engagement by tying the onboarding experience to the game’s story or theme.
Onboarding and tutorials are critical components of game UX design, and understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind learning and engagement can help game developers create effective experiences. By breaking down complex information, repeating key concepts, providing context and motivation, setting clear goals, and providing autonomy and creating relevant experience in the game.