Onboarding New Players Effectively Using UX

Onboarding New Players Effectively Using UX

The first moments of any game are critical. This is when players decide whether they’ll stay immersed or abandon the experience altogether. Onboarding—the process of introducing new players to the game’s mechanics, goals, and story—is a key aspect of user experience design in gaming. In this piece, we’ll explore how to create an effective onboarding experience, common challenges, and best practices with real-world examples from games like Call of Duty and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

1. Introduction to Onboarding in Games

Onboarding is more than just a tutorial; it’s the player’s gateway into the game world. A well-designed onboarding experience provides players with the knowledge and confidence to engage with the game’s mechanics and systems. Poor onboarding, on the other hand, can confuse or overwhelm players, leading to frustration and churn.

For example, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare incorporates short, dynamic tutorials during early missions, blending instructions seamlessly with gameplay to avoid disrupting the immersion. Players learn controls while engaging in action, creating a smooth entry point into the game.

2. Challenges in Onboarding New Players

A. Information Overload

Many games struggle with overwhelming players by presenting too much information too quickly. Complex interfaces, multiple systems, and verbose tutorials can deter engagement.

B. Balancing Guidance and Freedom

Games must strike a balance between guiding players and allowing them to explore independently. Overly restrictive tutorials can feel patronizing, while too much freedom can leave players unsure of what to do.

C. Catering to Varied Skill Levels

Players come from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Designing an onboarding process that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned gamers is a significant challenge.

3. Best Practices for Effective Onboarding

A. Interactive Tutorials

Interactive tutorials allow players to learn by doing rather than passively reading or watching. For instance, Breath of the Wild starts with the Great Plateau, an open area where players naturally discover mechanics like climbing, cooking, and combat through exploration.

B. Gradual Complexity

Introduce mechanics incrementally to prevent overwhelming players. In Portal 2, new gameplay elements are layered in over time, ensuring players master basic mechanics before progressing to advanced puzzles.

C. Contextual Tips

Display tips and instructions contextually, only when relevant. For example, in Call of Duty, prompts for advanced maneuvers like sliding or leaning appear only when players encounter scenarios that require these actions.

D. Skip Options for Experienced Players

Allow experienced players to skip tutorials while ensuring new players receive sufficient guidance. Games like Assassin’s Creed offer optional tutorials or initial missions, catering to both audiences.

4. Case Studies of Successful Onboarding

A. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 

This game integrates onboarding into its campaign missions. Players learn controls and mechanics like aiming, crouching, and using grenades through immediate and impactful scenarios. This approach maintains the game’s fast-paced feel while subtly teaching core gameplay.

B. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The game’s onboarding process is slow and deliberate, aligning with its relaxing theme. Players are introduced to mechanics like crafting, fishing, and decorating over several in-game days, avoiding overwhelming them.

C. Apex Legends

Apex Legends includes a comprehensive but optional training ground where players can practice controls, test weapons, and experiment with character abilities. This gives players freedom to learn at their own pace.

5. Tools for Designing Better Onboarding Experiences

A. Playtesting and Feedback

Frequent playtesting helps identify pain points in the onboarding process. Observing new players can reveal areas where instructions are unclear or mechanics are too complex.

B. Analytics and Data

Track player behavior during onboarding to identify drop-off points. Metrics like tutorial completion rates and time spent on specific steps can guide design improvements.

C. AI and Personalization

AI-driven systems can tailor onboarding experiences to individual player needs. For example, difficulty adjustments based on player performance ensure a smoother learning curve.

6. Future Trends in Onboarding

A. Adaptive Tutorials

Future games may use AI to adapt tutorials dynamically, providing more help to struggling players while allowing experienced users to progress faster.

B. Immersive Technologies

With VR and AR becoming more prevalent, onboarding will evolve to leverage these technologies. Interactive, hands-on tutorials in virtual spaces can make learning more intuitive and engaging.

Conclusion

Effective onboarding is essential for player retention and satisfaction. By focusing on interactive learning, gradual complexity, and contextual guidance, developers can create welcoming experiences for all players. Whether it’s a high-stakes shooter like Call of Duty or a leisurely simulation like Animal Crossing, the principles of good UX remain the same: empower players to learn, explore, and enjoy.

What onboarding experiences have stood out to you in games? Share your thoughts in the comments!