Tackling Audience Experiences in Games

Explore game design strategies for enhancing audience experiences in this 2019 GDC talk. Learn how to create user interfaces and game mechanics optimized for live gaming and streamed content. Discover the different types of spectators, their motivations, and engagement techniques. Delve into passive spectator mechanics, community building, and evolution strategies. Gain insights from indie and academic perspectives, including graph-based and in-game analysis. Understand the importance of information asymmetry, surprise elements, and viewer retention tactics. Equip yourself with knowledge to design games that captivate not only players but also their audiences.

Intro
Definition of Spectator
What is important for the player
Motives for spectators
Types of spectators
bystander
assistant
spectator engagement
design to teach viewers
information asymmetry
why do viewers stay
Affiliation
Surprise
Passive spectator mechanics
Building a community
Evolution strategies
Indie point of view
Academic point of view
Graphbased analysis
Ingame analysis
Summary
Recap
Questions