Why introducing friction is not always a bad idea
The harder something is the more people seem to love it. Sounds counterintuitive but here's why!
User friction is anything that gets in the way of a user from accomplishing a desired action. Usually, UX design is all about creating the easiest possible user experience, but sometimes, adding a little friction can improve the UX. In video game design, friction can be used to create a sense of realism and immersion. For example, adding a slippery surface whilst the Police are chasing you may make the game more difficult and challenging if playing a racing game. This can be used to create a sense of tension and excitement for the player.
Here are some of the benefits of using friction in video games:
Friction can add challenge and excitement to a game.
Friction can make a game more rewarding to play.
Friction can help to create a sense of immersion in a game.
Friction can increase the replay value of a game.
One way to add friction is to create obstacles that block the player’s progress. This can create a sense of tension and frustration, but also a sense of satisfaction when the player finally overcomes the obstacle. This is why Elden ring was so successful.
Friction can also be used to create social interactions between players. For example, players may need to cooperate in order to overcome an obstacle, or they may compete against each other in order to win a prize. These social interactions can make the game more enjoyable and rewarding to play.
Good game balancing is all about keeping playing in that flow state because If the game is too easy, players may become bored and stop playing. However, if the challenges are too difficult, players may become frustrated and give up. The right amount of friction can strike a balance between these two extremes and keep players engaged.
How to introduce friction into your video game design
Here are a few tips for introducing friction into your video game design:
1. Make sure there's a clear goal. Players should always know what they're supposed to do in a game. If the goal is unclear or there is no alternative goals, players can become frustrated and lost.
2. Introduce new challenges gradually. Don't overwhelm players with too much at once. Instead, introduce new challenges slowly over time so that players can adapt and learn as they go.
3. Give players feedback. letting players know how they're doing is crucial for keeping them engaged. Be sure to give feedback on their progress, whether it's positive or negative.
4. Allow for failure. It's important to let players fail sometimes so that they can learn from their mistakes and feel a sense of
The drawbacks of using friction in video games
Friction should be kept to improve the challenge of the game not how hard it is to use the menus and settings. Of course, too much friction can still be a bad thing. It's important to find the right balance so that players are challenged but not frustrated. When used judiciously, however, friction can actually improve the gaming experience.
Of course, too much friction can ruin a game's UX design and make it unenjoyable. It's important to find the right balance in a way that benefits the player experience. A little bit of extra challenge can go a long way towards making a game more enjoyable for everyone involved but players should not be fighting menus instead of enemies.
Conclusion
Friction can be a good thing in video game UX design for a number of reasons but of course, too much friction can also be a bad thing, so designers need to strike a balance. However, when used correctly, friction can be a powerful tool for making video games more enjoyable for everyone involved. Thanks for Reading!