id.net for Game Developers TOOLS TO ENGINEER FUN AND INCREASE CONVERSIONS
id.net for Game DevelopersTOOLS TO ENGINEER FUN AND INCREASE CONVERSIONS
Why Collect Data in a Game?o Troubleshooting design problems
o Detecting pattern changes
o Performance testing
o A/B testing design changes
o Understanding users
o Learning how to best sell products
o Adjusting difficultly to boost fun
Case Study: Troubleshooting
18% Player loss from preload time to game play
Case Study: Performance Testing
2% Performance gain in a 30 day period
Case Study: Detecting patterns
A clear pattern showing increased registration ratio
Case Study: Increasing Fun Levels
Increase in user retention at the 30 minute mark by 1% over a 10 day span
Case Study: Difficultly Adjustments
Case Study: Map Deaths
Overview of Rational Game DesignRational development is a way of objectively
creating an experience using quantifiable data.
The data determines the precarious balance
between rage and boredom. To achieve this,
elements are manipulated to perfect the player
experience.
Number of Elements vs Difficultly
Game Elements
• Dynamics (big picture)• Constraints• Narrative• Progression
• Mechanics (drive action)• Movements• Rewards• Competition
• Components• Achievements• High scores• Quests• Avatars
The Ultimate Goal of Rational Design
Crafting the ideal experience
Implementing Rational Design with Feedback Loops
1. Measure actions by collecting data
2. Search for evidence by find patterns in the data
3. Locate the elements that can be modified to change the action
4. Measure the results
5. Rinse and Repeat
Tools Available
Track.id.netRegistrations vs playsGame comparison (admins)Unique players and EngagementBrowser distributionOS distributionCustom events
id.net featuresAchievementsHigh scoresAvatarsPointsGame screenshots
External toolsGoogle AnalyticsLogglyDatacrackerExcel or Google Docs
Tips for Collecting Data
• Schedule a regular time to adjust tracking code
• Use multiple sources where possible
• Discuss the results with someone
• Find a consistent time or place to log data in game
• Plan enough time to measure patterns and results
• Have data collection in and tested before QA
Reaching Goals
• Collect as much data as useful
• Look for patterns
• Modify elements
• Measure results and repeat
• Use id.net social features to reward players
and incentivize ecosystem growth
• Achievements
• high scores
• avatars
• point awards
• game screenshots
• profile views, forum views
• Implement elements strategically to drive actions
• Bonuses and gifts
• Items, unlockables
• quests, challenges, competition
What are your questions?
Ideas, comments, feedback