Steve Kocher
Level Design
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The User Experience of Competitive First-Person Shooter Interfaces
I’ve always been drawn to competitive Through the creation of this project, I
other players. Engaging with individuals user experience in team shooters relies
games that pit you against the wits of
in a competitive setting can be a nerve-
wracking experience, even in games. My
thesis dives deep into one of the most
popular competitive genres, first-person
multiplayer team shooters, and the user
experience of how vital information
is communicated through their user
interface (UI).
Over the course of the project, I analyzed
cognitive psychology, user experience
design, sound design, graphic design,
user interfaces, and military Heads Up
Displays. The final project consists of a
fully functional experience and UI, created
in Unreal Engine 4.
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LEVEL DESIGN
discovered that the success of the overall
on the harmony of all of its UI elements
working together cohesively. Competitive
games require players to make split-
second decisions that can result in life or
death. By eliminating distractions in the
UI and delivering only the most essential
game information, the designer can help
ensure that players focus on the core
gameplay. This helps to achieve the
greater goal of immersing players into
the game world, its environment, and
mechanics.