A New Framework of Usability Evaluation for Massively Multi-player Online Game: Case Study of “World of Warcraft” Game

摘要

According to traditional marketing wisdom, customers’ preferences are a core issue in designing successful products, and the design process in game is crucial for guaranteeing gamers’ satisfaction. This research aimed to explore critical factors for the game design based on the new framework of the usability evaluation. We examined the usability in Massively Multi-player Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs) and reviewed literatures related to games simultaneously. We identified eighteen usability issues in MMORPG and presented its recommendation relevant to the issues. Moreover, the results of the study showed fifty four critical factors composed of game interface, game play, game narrative, and game mechanics for the game design. The research is concluded with key implications to support the early stage of the design process in game.