What metrics can be used to evaluate a game's learning curve for new players?

This is a task where Machine Learning in combination with good LiveOps prove to be extremely beneficial as we are now able to get a grip on behaviour patterns that allow for prediction of learning curve steepness and development. We are not speaking singular or few KPIs here, it can be far more complex than that and still be solved with reasonable effort! This now puts developers in a position to create games that are able to adapt certain variables for this very customer. Just imagine how this can reduce Onboarding-losses etc.!

Monitoring the time it takes for new players to complete early levels or tasks in the game can indicate how quickly they are grasping the gameplay concepts. A decreasing completion time over successive attempts suggests improved learning and skill acquisition. Tracking the rate at which new players progress through the game's content can reveal how well the learning curve is balanced. A steady progression rate indicates that the game offers a gradual increase in difficulty that aligns with player skill development.

To evaluate a game's learning curve, it's crucial to consider game losses and restarts alongside progression. These metrics, when analyzed together, offer a nuanced understanding of player experience. Game losses and restarts can be indicative of a game's challenge level, while progression signifies learning and skill acquisition. An effective approach is to apply attribution modeling to dissect the cumulative impact of failures and difficulties on player churn. This goes beyond simplistic cause-and-effect analyses by illustrating how various factors intertwine to influence a player's decision to continue or abandon the game. By correlating these aspects, you can fine-tune game difficulty, ensuring it's challenging yet engaging.

Understanding the learning curve in video games is crucial for player engagement and retention. Metrics like Time to First Action (TFA), Tutorial Completion Rate, Retention Rate after First Session, and Player Progression Rate can offer insights. Additionally, analyzing Average Session Length and Frequency of Sessions helps gauge player satisfaction and long-term engagement. By tracking these metrics, developers can tailor tutorials and gameplay experiences to enhance the onboarding process for new players. #GamingMetrics #PlayerExperience ??

Test the players main motivation through various FTUE's. you never know what you will find. Try starting from the core, try starting from the meta layer. You will find crazy data points that you wouldn't have imagined.

Assessing a game's learning curve involves evaluating player commitment and retention. Commitment encompasses a player's interest, engagement, and motivation, while retention pertains to the duration and frequency of play. A solid learning curve should offer meaningful objectives, choices, challenges, and rewards to foster commitment and retention. To measure this, observe the number and duration of player sessions, the speed and pattern of player dropout or abandonment, the quantity and quality of player interaction, communication, or collaboration, as well as the level of enjoyment, immersion, or flow the player experiences or reports. #GamingMetrics #PlayerEngagement ??

Employing A/B testing to experiment with progression difficulty can be instrumental. This method allows you to identify the perfect balance where the game is neither too easy nor too hard, enhancing player engagement and retention. Integrating monetization strategies, particularly at challenging levels, can incentivively engage players. These levels may prompt players to utilize or purchase additional resources, adding a monetization aspect to the game's design. It's crucial to ensure that this ramp-up in difficulty and the associated monetization avenues are introduced gradually to maintain a positive player experience. Finding this sweet spot is essential for maintaining player interest and the game's fun and accessibility.

Recent advancements in off-the-shelf brainwave monitoring technology has helped to establish direct measurement of player engagement on a moment to moment basis throughout gameplay, allowing game devs to watch a person's attention flutter or wane as they play through a game. The future is in direct measurement of focus, frustration, and elation rather than opinionated surveys about a gameplay experience.

When assessing a game's learning curve for new players, it's important to consider key metrics such as engagement and retention. However, there are other metrics that can provide valuable insights as well. These include time to first fun, completion rate of tutorials, drop-off rate, progression rate, and user feedback. Collectively, these metrics can help game developers determine how effective the learning curve is in striking the right balance between challenge and enjoyment for new players. By analyzing these metrics, game developers can refine the learning curve to enhance the new player experience and improve overall player retention.

Assessing a game's learning curve involves gauging the player's skill and knowledge acquisition. Skill pertains to the player's competency, efficiency, and creativity in executing game actions, while knowledge relates to their understanding of rules, systems, and strategies. An effective curve should aid skill and knowledge development through clear instructions, varied practice, and timely feedback. Indicators include score, action complexity, response accuracy, and player confidence. #GamingMetrics #SkillDevelopment ??

To gauge a game's learning curve through skill and knowledge, observe the evolution of player behavior. As they progress, players should display increased proficiency and strategic depth. Analyzing engagement levels with varying difficulties reveals insights into skill development. A dynamic difficulty curve, adjusting to player performance, can enhance this learning process. It ensures players of all skill levels find the game challenging yet engaging, promoting continuous skill and knowledge advancement. This adaptability makes the game accessible and maintains player interest, supporting a personalized and rewarding experience.

Skill and knowledge are the backbone of success in the gaming industry. Game developers rely on programming expertise and proficiency in game engines, while artists and designers excel with graphic design software and 3D modeling skills. Game marketers leverage digital marketing strategies and player behavior insights to promote and monetize games effectively. Regardless of the role, a deep understanding of game design principles, storytelling, and user experience is essential. Continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends are paramount for staying competitive in this dynamic field.

Customization and adaptation are critical in the gaming industry. Game developers need to offer customizable features and continuously update games to keep players engaged. Customized campaigns and optimization for various devices and technologies are essential for staying competitive.

Evaluating a game's learning curve should include analyzing how customization and adaptation influence player retention, particularly when difficulty levels increase. By monitoring player churn in response to escalating challenges, you can identify the optimal balance between difficulty and player capabilities. Segmenting players based on their behavior and preferences can further refine this analysis, enabling targeted adjustments that cater to different player segments. This approach ensures the game remains engaging across varying skill levels, enhancing player satisfaction and retention.

day zero playtime and d1 retention are your biggest friends on this. If its a mobile game, first 2 to 5 minutes are gold for you to hook your players with base mechanics. Your mechanics should be very simple but hard to master. Take Brawl Stars by Supercell for example. Pc and Console games on the other hand are a different story. They come to game with certain expectations and you need to estimate what they are beforehand, show them you adjust and add on things towards the end of it. Nobody wants to spend 30 mins on walking and shoot or any other basic mechanics. Show them the real deal early one, what to expect from the game, Unique Selling Point in terms of mechanics.