Hey everyone! I've been on an exciting journey to boost player engagement in tabletop role-playing games. I dove deep, crafting targeted UX research questions and developing an affinity map from the insights gathered. Let's break down the findings and see how they can transform both Player and Game Master experiences, leading to some truly actionable improvements.

Understanding player engagement in TTRPGs is a mix of theory and practice. This research is all about user-centered design principles, with a big focus on empathy, player interaction, and the psychological triggers that make games engaging. By asking the right questions and digging into the answers, we can pinpoint what players and GMs struggle with and figure out ways to make the gaming experience even better.

UX Research Questions:

The first step was nailing down UX research questions to identify the specific challenges players and GMs face. Here’s what I focused on:

1. What gameplay challenges lead to disengagement?
2. How do different game settings (online vs. in-person) impact engagement?
3. What strategies do players and GMs use to keep everyone engaged?
4. What features or tools would help maintain engagement during and between sessions?
5. What are the barriers to re-engagement after a player or GM becomes disengaged?

Our target audience was TTRPG players aged 18-28, who play at least once a week, both online and in-person, and are comfortable using digital tools. Not that problems with engagement are solely a young person’s issue, it’s just more likely that this group would be single and without kids, because without those elements we can ask what else are contributing factors. The insights revealed issues like smartphones and tablets, the importance of well-prepared GMs, and how slow combat and indecision can tank player engagement.

Affinity Map:

Using the data from our research questions, we created an affinity map. An Affinity Map is a way to group together related feedback from multiple people in order to find key themes. Here’s what we’ve got:

• Distractions and Engagement: Mobile phones and side conversations are big engagement killers. Effective GMs use visual aids, quick pacing, and direct questions to keep players focused.
• Impact of Preparation: Well-prepared sessions with dynamic plot hooks keep players engaged, while lack of preparation and slow pacing can kill the vibe.
• Player Agency and Collaboration: Players love contributing to the story and collaborating. Systems that facilitate player input, like visual aids and interactive tools, are highly valued.
• Online vs. In-Person Play: Online games struggle with attention and engagement due to multitasking, while in-person games benefit from non-verbal cues and physical presence, making it easier to keep players engaged.

This research phase has given us valuable insights into what affects player and GM engagement in TTRPGs. The UX research questions highlighted specific pain points and desired features, while the affinity map organized these findings into actionable themes. This groundwork sets the stage for creating detailed user personas based on these insights.

Stay tuned as we move forward with developing user personas that capture the diverse needs and experiences of TTRPG players and GMs. I invite all TTRPG fans and designers to share their experiences and suggestions. Together, we can create more engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Follow my blog on Itch.io for updates and join the conversation!

Drop your thoughts in the comments or reach out if you’d like to collaborate or share your findings. Let’s make TTRPGs more engaging for everyone!

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Thanks for being a part of this journey with me! Remember, our shared passion for games can lead to amazing innovations. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and making our gaming sessions unforgettable. Happy gaming!