Crafting Table Frequency in Map User Test - UQdeco2800/2022-studio-2 GitHub Wiki
User Testing
Survey
Once the level design updates were completed it was realised that the crafting table (which was set to stay at spawn) was too difficult to reach once the player reached the later stages of a certain level. To remedy this, different solutions were ideated, such as:
- the player able to craft at any time
- the player carries a crafting table in their inventory and places it down to craft (akin to Minecraft)
- spawning multiple crafting tables throughout the levels
Through discussion both within the team and with other teams, the team decided to go with the third idea - spawning several crafting tables in various locations within the map layout. A user test was created to determine an appropriate number of tables and where they should be placed - whilst ensuring a challenging but fun experience for the player. While we want to avoid accessing the crafting system becoming a difficult experience, from a balancing perspective the player should have to make a decision whether to go to the crafting table is worth it based on their current loadout of materials and weapons.
The start of the survey presented to the user the map layout of Level 1 and Level 2:
| Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|
 |
 |
This was to remind the users of the overall layout, before they were asked how many crafting tables should be in the map and how far apart each table should be:
| How many? | How far apart? |
|---|---|
 |
 |
A final (optional) question was asked, inquiring about any specific locations in the level that they would prefer the crafting tables be located:
Results
Number of crafting tables in the map
Although there was a mixture of responses from 1 to 2 to 5 crafting tables, 50% of users wanted to have 4 crafting tables on the map. Therefore we will increase the number of crafting tables from 1 to 4 in the map.
Distance from each crafting table
66.7% of users wanted to have the crafting tables at least 1 room apart, whilst the remaining 33.3% wanted to have it two rooms apart. Considering that nobody chose the 'same room' option it is clear that users do not want to have tables too close to each other. Given that the previous question suggested 4 tables on the map, for an even spread it is natural that the crafting tables wouldn't be too close to each other regardless.
Specific locations of crafting tables
Generally speaking, users reiterated on their choices and answers for the previous questions, in particular one user mentioned that they are 'pro one crafting table, make it annoying as hell to go back and craft'. This is an interesting idea and would bring a different experience, albeit potentially more frustrating if the material drops, player movement speed, and enemy spawns are not adjusted accordingly. This 'different experience' may be an aspect of our system that can be user tested further in the future.
Future Directions
As mentioned before, different quantities of crafting tables induces different difficulty levels which could lead to interesting gameplay interactions. Further user testing is required in terms of determining the kind of difficulty and gameplay experience that users would be interested in.
As for the actual locations, the placement could be further refined as the testing only generated responses in terms of general location. More precise user testing to determine the specific location (especially its placement relative to other game entities such as enemies and NPCs) may generate interesting responses.