Shopping Simulator HD – Phase 3 Showcase Testing Feedback

During the game showcase we had participants answer a few questions in relation to our game to see how successful we were in achieving our aims and objectives with the game. Here is the

feedback that we received and the analysis.

1. Was it easy to understand how to play the game?

All of the users reacted positively to the concept of the game and found it easy to understand. This is good because of the fact that our target audience do not generally play games. This means it appeals to our target and we successfully made an accessible game for them to play.

2. What were your overall thoughts on the game?

The user impressions were mostly very positive, the mediocre scores could have been due to the technical issues present during the first day of testing, overall though the feedback tells us that the game was really well received. No participants thought that it was bad or awful which is a great achievement, it tells us that the game would be enjoyable for the average player.

3. Are the Kinect 2.0 controls responsive and feel natural to use?

Most of the participants thought that the controls were nice and responsive, this was an issue during the earlier testing stages but our programmer Sean managed to fix some of the issues and make the controls more accurate. These results also came when there was issues with the Kinect picking up people in the background, which tells us that the negative votes could have been due to this issue.

4. Do you think that the graphics for the game are appealing?

This tells us that the graphics are well made, as I tried to make a variety of different models so that the user is not constantly looking at the same bland items. One of the comments that we received was if there would be any twists or turns during the course that would change the location which could be implemented in the future to mix things up. Users thought that the game was eye-catching with the different colours and the way that the game is played which insightful as it makes the game look more appealing for the older generation.

5. Do you think that the game has good replay ability?

100% of users thought that the game had good replay ability which tells us that the game is successful in its premise, as the whole game is quite repetitive due to the fact that it is used for rehabilitation purposes, there is supposed to be a gradual sense of progression and there are no changes in environment. The game gets more difficult as it goes on and new elements are introduced such as items spawning on more shelves and increasing the amount they respawn. This is a good sign as the players won’t get easily tired of performing the same actions over and over.

6. who do you think the target audience is for this game?

This was asked on the basis that they were not told who this game is for, this is their first impressions from playing the game. Most of the participants guessed correctly, they said this is due to the simplistic style of the game and the promotional materials demonstrating that it is a rehabilitation game, others commented on the fact that it holds mass appeal and looks like a game that can be enjoyed by anyone.

7. What elements do you think could be improved about the game?

A big sticking point as a result of the feedback was the fact that the graphics were not the most appealing, this was an issue because many of the models and mechanics had to be removed at the last minute as well as dumbing down some of the assets so that the game would be playable. This can be rectified with more time being spent on polishing the visuals of the game, the gameplay improvements were mentioned because of the issues present on the first day of the showcase whereas many users complimented the controls on the 2nd day for being responsive and easy to use.

8. Are the help screens easily accessible when needed?

Due to the ease of use when it comes to playing the game, menu of the participants did not even realise that there were help screens available from the pause screen and in game menus which is why a fair amount did not know. Most of the users thought that the help was easy to find and only rarely did anyone actually go into the help screen to view the controls or gameplay mechanics, telling us that the game is accessible.

9. Do you think that this game would be well suited for stroke therapy/rehabilitation?

An overwhelming majority of the users thought that the game would be well suited for stroke rehabilitation as it requires repetitive movements that would help them recover as well as it being enjoyable. Many of the participants expressed interest in its uses and praised the implementation of the Kinect and the potential uses of it for stroke rehabilitation, the client herself was also quite happy with the results. The scores after completing the level did not make sense to the users but would have been beneficial for the client to see how their patients performed during the game.

10. Are there any comments that you would like to make about the game? Feedback would be greatly appreciated

One of the users expressed interest in having the levels being longer but due to the nature of the game, having quick 2-3 minute levels with breaks in between was a suitable choice for our target audience, as having their arms raised and moving for more time would tire them out and make it more of a chore to play instead of being enjoyable. Another mode could be implemented or customizable options that allow for longer play sessions for the average person but considering the disability and age of our target audience short play sessions are the best way to go.