Exploring Factors That Make Online Interactive Games Successful: A Heuristic Approach

  • Authors:
  • Yin-Leng Theng;Agnes Kit-Ying Ho;Esther Shir-Wei Wee

  • Affiliations:
  • Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore;Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore;Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

  • Venue:
  • APCHI '08 Proceedings of the 8th Asia-Pacific conference on Computer-Human Interaction
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

Game design is challenging and expensive. It is challenging in that it is difficult to create games that are easy to learn as well as enjoyable to play. It is also expensive as only a small number of games, having spent millions in creating the games, eventually becomes successfully in the market yearly. While technologies have been improving swiftly, game design guidelines have evolved slowly, and developers have to rely on limited theoretical findings, experiences and foreknowledge to create innovative and successful games. Using a theoretical model underlying game heuristics, this paper describes a study to investigate factors that might make online interactive games successful. The findings identified that usability and aesthetic appeal of the game interface are the two most important factors governing gamers' decisions to purchase a particular game. The paper concludes with implications for the design of online interactive games.