Redesigning a Character Builder
Extensive games like RPGs should be extra careful balancing information density, as they run the risk of overwhelming new players.
UI/UX
Product Design
Game UI
Redesign
Overview
For individuals unfamiliar with Role Playing Games (RPGs), learning the mechanics of the game can be pretty overwhelming on its own. So what happens if the game's lore is based on one of the most expansive and interconnected fantasy universes in the literary world?
For this project, I designed two character builder screens for the base model of the Cosmere Roleplaying Game, aiming to increase and retain user engagement with interesting visuals and interactions.
Role
Visual Design, Game UI Design
Duration
1 week
Tools
The Context
I thought it'd be cool to have a game based on Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series, and lo and behold! There is one: The Cosmere RPG.
To get a sneak peak of the gameplay, I demoed the Cosmere RPG character builder on Demiplane.
The Cosmere RPG
The Cosmere RPG is an ambitious combination of two content-heavy things: 1) Table top RPGs, games known for their complex mechanics and intricate rule systems and 2) Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, one of the most expansive literary fantasy universes.
A poor balance of information density can lead to cognitive overload and user disengagement.
While the Cosmere RPG tool provides essential lore and relevant game mechanics, it errs on the side of being too informative.
Thought Process
Character creation is the first (active) step players take in preparation for an RPG. Since players must define their characters' skills and attributes within the scope of the game's setting, this can be a particularly daunting task for new players.
Therefore, it is important to keep the UI for a character builder intuitive and simple so as not to deter players before they even get to start the game.
Ideas for Redesign
Present information in such a way that makes it easier to digest and users want to invest time into learning more.
Gamify the interface to encourage users to interact with the interface and explore on their own.
Baldur's Gate 3, which is a popular video game based on Dungeons & Dragons, was my main source of inspiration for the redesign. I used my perspective as someone unfamiliar with D&D to identify areas of confusion.
Solution
Note: In future iterations, I would make the interface responsive to a game controller (i.e., using game triggers to switch between screens) and add a way to confirm selections.
Testimonials
I would want to click through these screens just to see the visuals and interactions.
— An artist of sorts
I really like this—very easy to look at. It's bigger, bolder and easier to read. The original has too many words.
— An avid gamer
Looks nice. Some of the words are a bit difficult to read, but it has better use of space.
— The occasional D&D player
A Pinned Idea
Before discovering the Cosmere RPG, I was ready to flesh out an open-world video game based on the events of The Stormlight Archive, starting with the Last Desolation.
The player would play as a nameless character, going through the scenes of the past, where they are introduced to the world and the gameplay. They would be able to view the information of each Radiant order and their Surges via the corresponding Heralds' honor blades.
That's an idea for another time.