Netease Games Internship
Internship Overview
During my gap year 2021, I worked with Taoyuan Studio in Netease Games to enhance the user experience of the mobile game, Wangchuan. Wangchuan is a mobile RPG game based on ancient Chinese figures' stories. Throughout my time there I was able to communicate with game designers, programmers, and artists and build the prototype of the game systems.
Duration
10 months
UX/UI Game design
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Design Process
Analyze
Understand Game Design Document
After receiving a new game design document, I normally read through the whole document quickly and know what I'm going to design. Then I read about each design point carefully and write down what I don't understand.
After that, I communicate with the game designer for more information. With my questions, I talk to the game designer directly to make sure I understand his/her game design.
Also, we will have a brief discussion about the design. Finally, I go through the game design document again to analyze the design point and requirements.
Research
Players' psychological needs
Players have different psychological needs during the process of each game function. Before design, I create a player journey map and clear about their goals step by step. Then, I conclude the player's emotional needs and the core experience of each step. Finally, mark the important level of each need in order.
Players' operation situation
The operation situation focus on players' interaction. Each interaction has a movement goal and method. After listing all the movements and methods, I analyze the content details and frequency of the movement.
Ideate
BrainStorming MindNote
Prototype
Low-fi Prototype
Clothes Changing Interface Redesign
Clothes Changing Interface Redesign
Multiple Scheme
Clothes Changing Interface Redesign
Interactive Prototype
Treasure Digging Activity Interface Design
Art Style Prototype
Treasure Digging Activity Interface Design
Build
Make Prefabs in Unity
I first set up a new interface panel prefab without coding functions and art assets in Unity. Usually, I use art assets that were created before and my prototyping assets. I need to be aware of assets layers and dynamic effects layers.
After programmers add code, we can test and discuss the function. During the iteration, I replace the temporary assets with formal art assets when game UI artists finish the UI design.
Test
Game Test & Debugs
It will take 1-2 months to test and debug. After finishing the first build, the whole team test, and reports suggestions and bugs. There will be a lot of extreme conditions in user tests, and we will also notice some details. It will lead us to iteration and build again.
Bugs are everywhere in the game. As a UX designer, I need to solve all these problems. After receiving the report, I run the game by myself to see the bug, and then, find out the reason that causes the problem. Most time I need to cooperate with programmers to fix all the bugs.
Game Screenshots
Reflection
Takeaways
Wangchang is an amazing game that had a good story, beautiful art style, and marvelous game design. As a part of the team, I feel so proud to enhance the user experience in Wangchuan and get good feedbacks from players.
If I can stay for more time, I can practice more by designing more game functions. I believe I can consider more comprehensively and save time for the whole team.
I really had a good time working with all these extraordinary designers, artists, and programmers. They helped me build confidence in the work and teach me how to collaborate with them. I need not only the knowledge of design but also the knowledge of game design, programming, and different work types.