Gameplay evaluation testing for 505 Games

"Many thanks to the Serco team for their valued input. We believe NecroVisioN will be a better game for it".

Alan Bunker, Senior Producer

In September 2008, 505 Games hired Serco Games Research (SGR) to conduct gameplay evaluation testing of its PC first-person horror shooter, NecroVisioN. The aims of the research were to understand potential issues of use and understanding, and provide recommendations for redesign in a quick and cost effective manner.

SGR consultants conducted a gameplay reviewof the prototype game, providing a fresh pair of eyes to establish how end users may react to the game and any issues that may need addressing. As part of the review the game was also evaluated using SGR's ScoreCheck service. ScoreCheck predicts how a game is likely to score against aggregation systems such as Metacritic, by evaluating a prototype game against a number of well-defined categories including controls, engagement and storytelling.

After detailed analysis SGR were able to provide 505 Games with prioritized gameplay issues, alongside practical recommendationsfor improving overall gameplay.

Alan Bunker, Senior Producer at 505 Games, says:

"From the very beginning, Serco proved to be helpful and communicative in understanding our needs and, in turn, relaying their own thoughts and opinions on how best to approach the evaluation to ensure we attained the information we needed while remaining within time and budget constraints. At all times, they were flexible and understanding toward our requirements, and the dialogue between Serco and 505 was constructive and effective.

"The quality of reporting we received from Serco was detailed, extensive and easy to digest. Issues were well laid out, often with supporting images, and prioritised for ease of reference. Clarity of reporting was excellent, ideas were plentiful and they had a genuine appreciation of what quality gameplay is all about. Furthermore, they made efforts to provide feedback from a suitable panel of players to ensure comments and criticisms were reflective of our target audience."