Why Internal Playtests Fail: Real Player Feedback Matters
Internal playtests hide the flaws that frustrate real players. In this Episode 3 recap of Game UX Alchemists, learn why dev‑team feedback falls short—and how recruiting the right players turns honest insights into higher retention and smoother launches.
The Importance of First Time User Experience (FTUE) in Games
First‑Time User Experience (FTUE) can make or break a game. Discover simple, proven tactics for crafting intuitive onboarding that teaches core mechanics fast and hooks players for the long haul.
What Makes or Breaks Games (from UX perspective)
What truly makes—or breaks—a game? Our UX experts reveal the most common design pitfalls and playtest‑backed fixes that keep players engaged from start to finish.
Your PC Playtesting Platform for Remote and Unmoderated Studies
Antidote is a user research and playtesting platform for video games. Since 2017, we’ve helped top studios and publishers playtest their PC and mobile games with confidence. Some of the teams we’ve partnered with and the titles we’ve worked on: But why do so many game studios choose to work with us? […]
QA vs. Playtesting: 3 Mistakes Every Game Dev Should Avoid
Co-author: Lydia Galeano, UX Researcher at Antidote In game development, the concepts of quality assurance (QA) and playtesting are often used interchangeably, even by the most experienced devs. Although they appear similar, both testing methods aim to achieve specific outcomes and misusing them can compromise the quality of the feedback. In this article, we’ll explore […]
How to Lead a Successful Multiplayer Playtest: An In-Depth Guide
Co-author: Lucila Drughieri, UX Researcher at Antidote Multiplayer playtesting is a research study that aims to evaluate a game’s social dynamics and overall user experience, focusing on uncovering real player interactions within multiplayer environments. This Game User Research (GUR) method goes beyond assessing basic functionality, ensuring the game mechanics are engaging, balanced and enjoyable. […]
3 Unique Insights That A Full Playthrough Reveals for Your Game
Co-author: Theadora Vaxevanou, UX Researcher at Antidote A full playthrough is a Game User Research (GUR) method that involves playtesting your game from start to finish. The aim is to closely observe how players interact with the game’s mechanics, engage with the narrative and perceive the overall gameplay experience. But why should game studios consider […]
Stress Testing in Games: 4 Key Factors You Should Consider
What makes a stress test a non-negotiable step in your game development process? When picturing the ideal game launch, studios often prioritize stunning visuals, gripping narratives, and intuitive in-game mechanics. While these Game User Research (GUR) factors are vital components of a memorable gaming experience, there is often an overlooked element – the assurance […]
Hogwarts Legacy | Antidote UX Review: A Potter-Head’s Perspective
Hogwarts Legacy is the most-watched single-player game on Twitch, breaking records with 1.3 million concurrent viewers. But did it live up to the hype? A Potter-Head shares her perspective on the game’s UX, including its attention to detail, character development, map design, and menus.
Dutch Game Day: Antidote’s UX Researcher Perspective
Today we bring you a post from Thea Vaxevanou, UX Researcher at Antidote. She loves Anthropology, Psychology, Films and obviously, games :). Her first console was a PS1 and her favourite games are Red Dead Redemption 2 and Crash. On the 6th of October, I attended the Dutch Game Day (including Dutch Game Awards) at […]