Player Research

@playerresearch.bsky.social

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Video game research ◐ Enabling game developers to gain meaningful insights from real players ◌ A Keywords Studio • #GamesUR #UX ◍ Signup to try new games!

Our talk: Mobile games, when Approachability rhymes with accessibility.
Ula Karpińska Games User Researcher Ula has always worked closely with players, but noticing that the lack of timely feedback restricted games from being loved by players, she pivoted to UX research. She's now happy she can help more teams and titles be loved by so many more players.
Still image of water reflecting on a closed door from Still Wakes the Deep, with accompanying text: "Still Wakes the Deep Players can activate a high-contrast mode, and even toggle flashing lights on and off."
A still image showing Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2 Remake, and accompanying text: "Silent Hill 2 Remake The first boot flow includes a QR code which redirects players to mental health resources should they need them."
Still split-screen image from Dead by Daylight showing heartbeat indicator visuals, with accompanying text: "Dead by Daylight An option visual heartbeat indicator alerts players who cannot rely on sound cues that the killer is getting closer."
Still image from Slay the Princess showing a cottage on a hill with example of subtitles, and accompanying text: "Slay the Princess Text customization options include font style, size, and colour, and an adjustable pace for dialogue and choices."
A still image from Dead Space Remake of a gun being pointed at an alien with text: "Dead Space Remake Players can adjust gore display and censorship, and receive warnings for potentially triggering content."
Making Fear Accessible Features we love in horror games (Still images from Silent Hill 2 Remake, Still Wakes the Deep and Dead by Daylight)
Animated GIF with messaging "VR GAMERS WANTED. REMOTE PLAYTESTING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN NOW. APPLY TODAY"
A headshot photograph of Améliane in front of a Player Research branded background, with text underneath: "Améliane F. Chiasson Games Accessibility Lead Having built the first accessibility department with her previous company, Amé joined Player Research in June 2023 as our very first Games Accessibility Lead. She is deeply passionate about helping develop inclusive and accessible experiences."
Article header image showing title: "5 Accessible Horror Games to Play this Halloween"
So, what can we do about it?
Inconsistent Store Tags Games show up under varied tags across some stores, but are not always accurate, causing uncertainty from the players' POV. Many games are also missing store tags altogether, even though they contain great accessibility features.
Accessibility Store Tags Assessment Service
For #GAAD we asked: "What is the first option or setting you look for when launching a game for the first time?" Here's what you told us...
A graphic showing the logo for Player Research as well as that of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The text reads "What is the first option or setting you look for when launching a game for the first time? How does it make your gaming experience more accessible?". This is followed by our Advancing Accessibility email address - accessibility@playerresearch.com - if you want to get in touch for help making your game more accessible.
This graphic shows the logo for Two Point Museum, followed by a testimonial quote for the work that Player Research did for the game. The quote reads “Our collaboration with Player Research on Two Point Museum uncovered rich insights about our existing audience and new players that allowed us to maximise the potential of this fantastic release from Two Point Studios. Our ongoing partnership helps to champion the voices of our players in our development process and ensure our titles bring many hours of enjoyment to our fans.”- Alex Bonnett, Research & Insight Manager at SEGA Europe.
A graphic featuring small gaming-related illustrations including controllers and a laptop featuring the Advancing Accessibility logo - a bespoke illustration of an old fashioned game controller where one half forms a wheelchair. The text reads "Interested in developing accessibility awareness in your game and engaging all of your potential players? Come and meet us at GDC. Email hello@playerresearch.com to set up a chat with us
A graphic including a smiling photo of Seb Long, our Managing Director at Player Research, as well as the title "Learn more at GDC". This is followed by bullets describing the three roundtables he is hosting at GDC this year: "Making Player Data Work in Pre-Production, Production, and Post Launch"
A graphic featuring the Player Research logo and text that reads "We're going to GDC - 17-21 March 2025 in San Francisco, CA. Come and meet us there!"
Player Research staff are shown in conversation. A game controller graphic is shown, followed by the word 'HIRING'. Footage of a playtest lab, initially empty, then with playtesters. Text describing open roles, followed by a link to www.playerresearch.com/careers.