Cloud-Gaming Mobile App B2C (name is under NDA)
We offers a mobile application tailored for cloud gaming. With this app, users can enjoy gaming experiences by tapping into remote server resources, eliminating the need for high-end local hardware on their mobile devices.
Team
- Project Manager
- Myself
- Network Engineer
- 6 Developers
- 2 QA Engineers
At-a-Glance
I worked on this application as a UI/UX designer for 4 months in 2023. My focus was on developing both the mobile application for Android and the web version for iOS. After completing all the stages outlined below, we are on track to obtain the MVP version of our product, currently in development.
Problem
In Ukraine, "major players" in this market have not been officially introduced yet. In the midst of war, it is difficult to find time for entertainment, and one must be prepared to change their location, whether it be a bomb shelter or a move to another settlement for safety reasons. Portable gaming consoles are quite expensive in the conditions of a weak economy during the war. The power outages during Russian shelling also have their impact.
Solution
Creating a cloud-based gaming service. Thanks to a free trial period, users can experience the future of gaming without any obligations. Our strategically located servers in Ukraine guarantee minimal latency, providing an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Process
After establishing key objectives, it is essential to conduct a market analysis of competitors.
User Research
If we rely on the research conducted by the Nielsen Norman Group in 2021, the data is as follows:
Based on these data, it is evident that the majority of gamers in Ukraine are not inclined to pay for games, as the vast majority engage in free-to-play games. Among those who do spend money on games, the willingness to invest more than $10-20 is notably low. This trend is supported by the prevalence of console ownership, where regional pricing is absent, unlike the PC segment, which has dominated the Ukrainian gaming scene for over 20 years.
Ukrainians predominantly play games on computers and smartphones, but constant upgrades or purchasing new devices are financially challenging for many. Additionally, issues related to power outages and immobility lead to difficulties in playing on stationary devices, highlighting the importance of laptops and mobile devices.
Statistics of the Ukrainian Internet network
Moreover, Ukraine boasts one of the most affordable internet services globally, with a substantial user base. The country has adeptly adapted to power disruptions during the ongoing conflict, resulting in widespread access to optical internet that operates independently of electrical power. Many users now enjoy connectivity through mobile towers equipped with generators, batteries, or even satellite links, ensuring continuous access even in challenging circumstances.
The demand for solutions of this nature has arisen from the necessity to play anywhere without concerns about upgrades, relying solely on a stable internet connection. This need has given rise to a growing demand for such gaming solutions.
Market Research
Despite the official unavailability of major players in the Ukrainian market, some gamers still access their services using paid VPNs. This practice, however, has a detrimental impact on their own internet security, speed and latency. Nevertheless, I have included them in the comparison and study for a comprehensive analysis.
The primary distinctions
In all these services, iOS support is implemented through browser-based versions due to the restrictions imposed by Apple on similar services.
Additionally, in Ukraine, we currently have only one competitor, against whom we hold an advantage with a free trial period and superior image quality.
Research of competitors' apps
Furthermore, we aimed to establish a competitive edge in functionality and user interface convenience among competitors. To achieve this, I conducted an in-depth analysis of their applications.
UX/UI Part
Development part
User Flow
We desired to provide users with the ability to organize their library effectively, so we conceived the idea of enabling the creation of custom collections within the library.
Wireframes
After finalizing the user flow, I proceeded to work on the wireframes for the application.
Following discussions on several iterations and features, I transitioned to creating the mockups.
Final Design
The app's logic is very intuitive and easily understandable compared to other similar services.
Home page
The main page features curated selections of the latest releases, the user's recent plays, and thematic collections for an engaging experience.
Game page
This page incorporates key information about the game, providing users with the ability to explore gameplay materials and age restrictions.
IN-GAME & Other Pages
Additionally, we incorporated a touchscreen control feature for those who prefer not to carry additional gaming devices with them.
Product Successes
The UI/UX design efforts have resulted in an interface that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly user-friendly. Navigating through the app is intuitive, ensuring that users can easily discover and enjoy the diverse gaming content available on our platform.
What I Learned
The market research highlighted the financial constraints of the user base. Striking a balance between providing a high-quality gaming experience and keeping the service affordable was a delicate yet critical task.
The acknowledgment that the MVP is a stepping stone to broader horizons is crucial. Planning for future expansion into other countries positions the product for sustained growth. The MVP phase serves not only as a test bed for the product's viability but also as a foundation for future enhancements and scaling.
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